Another refugee influx for Turkey? Erdoğan says 'our door is open'!

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul.

The meeting covered topics such as the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, migration, relations with the European Union (EU), and economic policies. The two leaders held a joint press conference following the meeting to make statements.

TRADE VOLUME WITH GERMANY REACHED 50 BILLION DOLLARS

President Erdoğan stated that the trade volume with Germany has reached 50 billion dollars and that their goal is to increase it to 60 billion dollars. Noting that they have left behind past difficulties in the supply of defense industry products, Erdoğan expressed that defense cooperation should be strengthened.

Touching upon developments in the Middle East, Erdoğan drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasized that a permanent ceasefire must be achieved.

'DOOR IS OPEN' TO REFUGEES

Speaking about the migrants in Turkey, whose numbers exceed 14 million, Erdoğan stated that their doors are always open and said the following:

"In the first stage, around 4 million refugees came to our country from Syria. Currently, 3.5 million refugees live in our country. We managed this process together during Mr. Merkel's term. Our door has always been open to them, and it continues to remain open today. We are maintaining the same approach for those coming to our country from the Middle East and Lebanon. Our door is also open to the Turkmens in Lebanon, in particular."

Here is the refugee statement made by Erdoğan:

Another refugee influx for Turkey? Erdoğan says 'our door is open'! https://t.co/7Ui8IZvbJi pic.twitter.com/gtdgfyZOkL

— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) October 19, 2024

SUPPORT CAME FROM SCHOLZ

German Chancellor Scholz appreciated Turkey's efforts in managing the refugee crisis and stated that relations between Turkey and the EU should be strengthened. Scholz said, “Our support for Turkey regarding the consequences of the war in Syria will continue. Cooperation between Turkey and the EU must develop.” Furthermore, Scholz stated that Germany is ready to take joint steps with Turkey regarding the management of the migrant crisis for the sake of Europe's security.

FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

The fight against terrorism and the Turkish community in Germany were also on the agenda at the meeting. Erdoğan emphasized his determination to act in cooperation with Germany against terrorist organizations and pointed out that far-right movements are on the rise in Europe. Stating that he finds it important for the German government to follow a unifying stance, Erdoğan expressed that they expect concrete steps to be taken for joint efforts against terrorist organizations such as the PKK and FETÖ in terms of public security in Germany.

CALL FOR A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE

Drawing attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Erdoğan stated that it is essential to achieve a permanent ceasefire and apply the necessary pressure on Israel, adding, “This war that started in Gaza has spread to Lebanon. As long as the massacres continue, peace is not possible. The killing of 50 thousand people and the wounding of 100 thousand people is unacceptable,” he said. Erdoğan stated that the International Court of Justice should take action on this matter.

German Chancellor Scholz, on the other hand, stated that they have different views on Israel. While condemning the Hamas attack on October 7, Scholz expressed that a ceasefire is necessary to prevent the conflict from spreading. Scholz reiterated his views in this area by saying, “A two-state solution is essential for both Palestine and Israel.”