Esra Tekin
29 June 2026•Update: 29 June 2026
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday discussed regional and global issues, as well as bilateral relations in a phone call, said Türkiye's Communications Directorate.
Türkiye aims to strengthen its relations with Germany, said President Erdogan, stressing the importance of continuing to take mutual steps toward this goal.
Erdogan added that Türkiye expects a "strong commitment" at the NATO summit in Ankara to boost Europe’s defense and preserve the "transatlantic bond."
On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Erdogan touched upon Ankara's efforts, saying Türkiye is working for lasting peace and the resumption of negotiations.
