Erdogan Urges Scholz to Adopt a Neutral Stance

During a phone conversation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Ankara expects Germany to adopt a 'neutral stance' regarding relations between Turkey and Greece, Turkish media reports.

Erdogan also emphasized the 'special importance' of maintaining close dialogue with the German Chancellor to strengthen bilateral relations in all areas.

This phone call between the leaders of Germany and Turkey took place a few days after Scholz declared that it is 'unacceptable for an NATO ally to question the sovereignty of another member.' He made this statement during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, without explicitly mentioning Turkey.

During his meeting with Mitsotakis, Scholz also stated that disputes between Greece and Turkey could be resolved through dialogue and based on international law, highlighting that friendly relations are crucial not only for the two countries but also for Europe and the transatlantic alliance.