Turkey is an ‘important ally contributing significantly to European security,’ German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (r) said after meeting his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler.
Germany considers Turkey an “important ally contributing significantly to European security,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said after meeting his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler, describing German-Turkish ties as “well established” within NATO.
The meeting focused on NATO developments, preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara in July, the situation in Ukraine, developments in Syria, and German-Turkish cooperation in arms procurement.
“Relations between Germany and Turkey in security and defense are well established within the Alliance. Cooperation with Ankara is expected to be further strengthened bilaterally. Germany values Turkey as an important ally that contributes significantly to European security,” Berlin’s statement said. It highlighted Turkey’s role in securing NATO’s southern flank.
Ahead of the NATO summit on July 7-8, the two ministers stressed the Alliance’s 360-degree comprehensive approach as a key agenda item.
Pistorius also reaffirmed Germany’s support for Turkey’s request to join the framework agreement for joint procurement of defense systems under the European Sky Shield Initiative. [AMNA]