German Chancellor Merz: Turkey will play a key role

The 62nd meeting of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), considered one of the world's most important platforms for discussing defense, security, and foreign policy, officially began in Munich, Germany, with an opening speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz began his speech by pointing out that the theme of this year's conference is the global order in the process of collapse, and touched upon the Russia-Ukraine War and the influence of the US and China on world politics.

Noting that the international rules-based order no longer exists in its original form, Merz said, "The international order based on rights and rules is on the verge of collapse. I must state clearly that even in its flawed state, that order does not exist today."

"We are reaching different conclusions than the Washington administration"

Pointing out that Europe must position itself within the changing global balance of power, Merz said, "In this new era, we as Europeans are taking our precautions. In this process, we are reaching different conclusions than the Washington administration. Our first task is to accept this new reality. This does not mean we accept it as an unchangeable future. We are not resigned to this world. We can shape it. I have no doubt that we will protect our interests and values in this world. At the very least, if we rely on our own strength with determination and self-confidence, we can withstand strong winds and protect our freedom. We will open new doors, evaluate new opportunities, and if we do it right, we will emerge from this test even stronger."

Noting that his country says "yes" to leadership based on partnerships regarding Europe's new era, Merz said, "We say no to hegemonic dreams. As Germans, we will never act alone. This is a lasting lesson we have learned from our history."

He called for Europe to turn to new partnerships and pointed to Turkey

Emphasizing that European integration and the transatlantic partnership will no longer be enough on their own to protect freedom, Merz stated, "This allows us to approach new partners with whom we will share important concerns, even if we do not share all our concerns. This prevents dependencies and risks while simultaneously creating possibilities and opportunities for both sides and protecting our freedom. Turkey, Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, South Africa, and the Gulf countries will play a key role in this regard. We want to work more closely with these countries based on mutual respect and a long-term perspective. We are interested in a political order where we can trust agreements, solve global problems together, and above all, resolve conflicts peacefully."

"A deep chasm has emerged between Europe and the US"

Reminding that steps are being taken as the European Union (EU) for a strong, sovereign European policy together, Merz touched upon transatlantic relations. Merz said, "A deep chasm has emerged between Europe and the US. However, we can only solve global tasks together. For our partnership to have a future, we must rebuild it in two senses. This justification must be concrete, not abstract. We are stronger together; Europeans know how valuable the trust in NATO is. In the age of great powers, the US will also need this trust. When they act alone, even they reach the limits of their own power. At least the strategists at the Pentagon seem to be aware of this. NATO is a competitive advantage not only for us but also for our dear American friends. The most powerful alliance of all time is fully aware of how valuable this is. Times will not change for the US either."

He made the call to reset relations with the US in English

Continuing his speech, which he began in German, in English, Merz addressed the US delegation in the hall. Merz said, "For three generations, trust between allies, partners, and friends has made NATO the most powerful alliance of all time. Europe knows deeply how valuable this is. In the age of great power competition, even the US is not strong enough to act alone. NATO is an advantage not only for Europe but also for the US. Therefore, our call is this: We must renew and revitalize transatlantic trust together; Europe is doing its part."

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek will speak

The 62nd Munich Security Conference, where global problems and proposed solutions are evaluated, is being held at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich with more than a thousand participants from 120 countries. The conference, which includes approximately 60 government officials and heads of state, is attended by foreign ministers from 65 countries and defense ministers from 30 countries. According to the official program of the conference, Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek will be a speaker tomorrow evening at a session on the future of Syria. The Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's National Defense Committee, Hulusi Akar, and the Chief Advisor to the President for Foreign Policy and Security, Akif Çağatay Kılıç, are also attending the conference.

Names shaping Europe's policies, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, will also be in Munich.

The US is attending the Munich Security Conference this year with an official delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio is expected to give a speech tomorrow regarding the future of NATO and his country's perspective on international issues and proposed solutions. There will be no participation from Russia or Iran at the conference, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also speak.

Which topics will be discussed?

Among the topics to be addressed at the Munich Security Conference are developments in Greenland, which has been at the forefront of global issues in recent months due to US plans, and the security of the Arctic, the latest point reached in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in the Middle East and the reconstruction of Gaza, as well as European security, the future of transatlantic relations, the competitive state of the global economic order, regional conflicts, hybrid threats, and developments in the defense industry. The conference is expected to last three days.