Türkiye will continue to provide relief to Gaza, giving hope to Palestinians, says foreign minister

ISTANBUL

Türkiye will continue to provide relief to the war-torn Gaza and hope for the Palestinian people, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday.

"Türkiye will continue to be a breath for Gaza and a hope for Palestine. We will also continue to actively support efforts to rebuild Gaza,” Fidan said at a joint press conference with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul.

“Every building that rises in Gaza will be a work of humanity’s collective conscience. Our ultimate goal is to implement a two-state solution and to establish a Middle East where peace and prosperity prevail despite all the suffering,” Fidan added.

Ankara increased aid efforts immediately after the ceasefire was established, he said, stressing that humanitarian aid in Gaza must be long-term and systematic.

During their meetings with Wadephul, Fidan said Ankara and Berlin confirmed their expectation that the ceasefire in Gaza would continue, humanitarian aid would reach those in need without interruption, and the war would come to an end permanently.

The Turkish foreign minister added that implementing a two-state solution is a fundamental step toward lasting peace in the region.

He emphasized the importance of European countries, particularly Germany, taking constructive steps to address Palestinian issues and Gaza.

"Türkiye has fulfilled its responsibilities in implementing the agreement reached and is fully prepared to do even more going forward," he said, adding that within this framework, there is a clear determination on the part of the Turkish president to participate in the implementation of issues such as the "task force, peace council, or international stabilization force," as they come into effect.

Fidan highlighted the economic dimension of the partnership, noting that total trade between Türkiye and EU countries is $220 billion, with Germany accounting for about $50 billion.

“Germany is one of our largest trade partners. We believe we can increase bilateral trade to $60 billion soon,” Fidan said.

The Turkish minister also said he and his German counterpart discussed Türkiye-EU relations in detail, stressing the need for updated customs union negotiations, renewed visa dialogue, and a long-term strategic approach benefiting both sides.

Regarding Ukraine, Fidan said both ministers discussed possible peace scenarios and ceasefire initiatives.

Wadephul, for his part, highlighted Türkiye’s active support for the US-led ceasefire plan in Gaza, praising Ankara’s role in helping implement the agreement.

“This contribution has been very valuable. I am confident Türkiye will continue to stand with us to strengthen the agreement and turn it into a real peace process,” he added.

The German foreign minister also reiterated Berlin’s support for a two-state solution, saying: “This means that Palestinians should have hope to establish their own state in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.”

Wadephul emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the EU and Türkiye, comparing it to the partnership between the EU and NATO.

EU-Türkiye ties

Wadephul said Germany values its shared interests with Türkiye.

“What I have always noticed is that we have many common interests. Therefore, Türkiye is not only a NATO ally for us but a strategic partner and good friend in all foreign policy issues, and it will continue to be,” he said.

Regarding Türkiye’s EU accession, Wadephul noted that both sides have responsibilities. “We want progress in EU-Türkiye relations. We want the customs union updated. We want visa liberalization. Overall, we want a positive agenda. If Türkiye genuinely wants to join the EU, it will find a reliable and friendly partner in Germany,” he said.

He stressed the importance of seeing Türkiye's serious commitment to moving forward with EU membership but acknowledged that the process would take weeks or months.

Wadephul also addressed defense cooperation between Germany and Türkiye, saying: “We are pleased that our defense industries can collaborate. There are many projects nearing completion.

"Türkiye is a reliable and central NATO partner for us, so close cooperation between our defense industries is natural. Outside NATO partners, who else could we collaborate with?”