GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOHANN DAVID WADEPHUL – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/08xy8qEbu2I?si=GaQ5OLtXc1tYNp_A

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN – My dear friend, thank you very much, you have given a thoroughly comprehensive presentation. Actually, you’ve touched on issues that concern both of us. But as is customary, I shall now deliver my own speech, if I may.

Dear members of the press, dear guests, I am here with you once again in Germany after a brief interval, as a guest of Mr. Johann Wadephul, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany and my distinguished friend. As my esteemed colleague also mentioned, he has visited Türkiye twice. This is, in fact, a significant indicator of how relations between Türkiye and Germany have regained momentum in recent times, thanks to the determination displayed by our political leaders. Another significant development is that the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, which we chaired as ministers alongside our colleagues and convened for the first time in 12 years, has been revitalised. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed in this regard. Our working groups gathered within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. They discussed bilateral relations, Türkiye-EU relations, security and defence issues, and regional developments. We have drawn up a roadmap for the coming period, covering both bilateral and regional issues. We believe that Türkiye and Germany need to demonstrate a stronger partnership across a greater range of areas. We will continue to work together in line with the will set out by our President and Chancellor Merz.

As part of my visit today, I was also received by Chancellor Merz. I conveyed our President's message and greetings to him. We also had the opportunity to listen to and take on board his valuable views. Of course, I will convey these views to our President when I return.

Dear members of the press, the economic ties between Türkiye and Germany are steadily getting stronger. Germany is our largest trading partner in Europe and our second-largest trading partner worldwide. We believe that we can increase our bilateral trade volume, standing at $52 billion, to $60 billion in the near future. We are pleased to see the development of our dialogue and cooperation in the fields of energy and connectivity. We are particularly eager to carry out joint projects in the field of renewable energy. On the other hand, we also attach particular importance to diversifying and developing our cooperation in the defence industry, especially given the current circumstances. The increase in our cooperation in this area will further strengthen the strategic nature of our relations.

Another key aspect of our joint efforts in the field of security is the fight against terrorism. We believe that it is more important than ever to develop our counter-terrorism efforts on a clear and result-oriented basis, in line with the spirit of our alliance.

Dear members of the press, Turkish community’s contributions to Germany are further enriching relations between our two countries. I would like to take this opportunity to convey our greetings and warm regards from our homeland to our dear brothers and sisters through you. The strong presence of the Turkish community in Western Europe demonstrates that our partnership is deeply rooted not only at the state level but also among the people. I would also like to extend my thanks to all my German colleagues, particularly my dear friend, for their contributions.

Today, my distinguished friend and I had the opportunity to discuss the process of European Union membership, which is a strategic objective for our country. Our fundamental expectation from the European Union is that relations with Türkiye and our EU accession process should be conducted independently of political considerations. It must be acknowledged that the spirit of the times necessitates that Türkiye-EU relations be addressed on a more realistic, strategic and result-oriented basis. We need to work closely together on a wide range of issues, from tackling irregular migration to regional security, and from energy corridors to the fight against terrorism. As our President has pointed out, it is also clear that a European architecture in which Türkiye does not take its deserved place will be incomplete and its capacity to cope with crises will be weakened. For instance, the European Union’s economic future depends on its ability to strengthen its competitive capacity, enhance its resilience to crises, and restructure its supply chains in neighbouring regions. In this respect, deeper economic integration with Türkiye has become a strategic necessity for the European Union. That is also true for Türkiye. The first and most significant concrete step in implementing this integration will be the updating of the Customs Union. Furthermore, reaching a concrete outcome in the visa liberalisation dialogue as soon as possible will ensure the resolution of an issue that undermines the natural flow and spirit of our partnership. Türkiye’s exclusion from the EU’s defence and security initiatives also contradicts the security objectives set out by Europe. The progress Türkiye has made in the field of defence industry is one of the most valuable assets Europe has, in terms of being able to implement its own strategic position. Ignoring this opportunity is also detrimental to Europe’s interests.

Dear friends, during today’s meeting we had the opportunity to discuss in detail the regional issues of direct concern to both countries. In this context, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on Europe. The fact that the war, now entering its fifth year, is taking place in the heart of Europe is no longer a situation that can be tolerated. My esteemed colleague and I shared our views on the course of this war, the latest situation in Ukraine, how the war can be stopped, and the ongoing negotiations. The short-term ceasefires announced recently have shown that the groundwork for a lasting solution may still be in place for the upcoming period. The growth of this platform depends on all of our joint efforts. Needless to say, Türkiye will continue to do everything it can on all platforms to bring this war to an end, just as it has done from the very beginning.

Another important issue that we had the opportunity to discuss was the war between Iran and the US and Israel. It is in the interests of the whole world that this major crisis be resolved through diplomatic channels as soon as possible. We, as Türkiye, continue to contribute to Pakistan’s peace-making efforts. At the moment, our priority is to maintain the ceasefire. A resumption of the war would have very serious economic and political consequences at a global level. We would like to believe that both Iran and the US are aware of this risk and possess the necessary resolve to reach a lasting agreement.

Dear members of the press, the crises in our region can only be overcome through a comprehensive vision of security and prosperity that places regional ownership at its core. The current situation in Syria serves as the most up-to-date and concrete example of how peace can be built through regional ownership and collective wisdom. However, the full realisation of this vision of peace and prosperity depends on resolving the Palestinian conflict, which is the root cause of almost all the chronic crises in the region, on the basis of a two-state solution. However, the greatest obstacle to this vision of peace is, unfortunately, once again Israel’s extremist and expansionist policies. This aggression, targeting innocent people in Gaza and the West Bank and extending as far as Lebanon and Syria, has unfortunately now become a global threat. The repercussions of this threat are directly affecting Europe, from migration flows to energy security. As the latest example of its aggressive policies, Israel intervened against the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was sailing in international waters with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. We strongly condemn this act of piracy, which constitutes a clear violation of international law. There were participants from around 40 countries on board the ships. We are in contact with these countries. We are also persistently pursuing the necessary steps to secure the release of our citizens as soon as possible.

Dear members of the press, during this critical period we are currently experiencing, it is necessary to further strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and Germany. We are determined to take our bilateral relations forward. We will continue to work in close coordination and cooperation in the face of regional challenges.

The Strategic Dialogue Mechanism meeting we held today has been extremely useful in terms of achieving our objectives. I would like to take this opportunity to once again extend my heartfelt thanks to my esteemed colleague, Mr Johann Wadephul, for hosting us.

QUESTION: Mr. Minister, my first question is for you.

As global crises multiply around the world, and many countries choose to take sides, Republic of Türkiye points to the negotiating table and diplomacy. Lastly, a telephone conversation took place yesterday with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi. How are the negotiations proceeding? Could there be a breakthrough in the negotiations, including the opening of the Strait of Hormuz?

I would also like to ask my question in German to the German Minister. [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/08xy8qEbu2I?si=EHdw0HCPCMrs4kc_&t=1171

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN – Dear friends, as you know, in the region where we live, unfortunately we have been facing wars, occupations, internal conflicts, the fight against terrorism and the destruction they have caused for many years. Therefore, Türkiye, as a democratic, developed country in the region and in the process of integration with the European Union, fully appreciates the value of peace and stability. A clear indication of this is that, particularly in all the wars taking place around us, our first instinct is to bring the conflict to an end as soon as possible. We are taking the same stance in Ukraine, we took the same stance in Gaza, we are taking the same stance in the conflicts in Africa, and we are taking the same stance in the dispute between Iran and the United States. Our aim is to resolve issues through dialogue, not through war. We know this may seem like a naive wish, but in a situation where powerful countries come together to find a solution and put the necessary carrot-and-stick approach in place, these are feasible measures.

Having said that, I would like to add this: We particularly want to be optimistic about the ongoing Iran-America negotiations, mediated by Pakistan. The groundwork for this has been laid, and the reasons are clear. We believe that both the United States and Iran are sufficiently motivated to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that war does not break out again, albeit for different reasons. We frankly believe that there is no reason why the two sides should not be able to find common ground, provided they both make the necessary efforts using appropriate mediating methods. I do not wish to go into the details of the discussions we have had with the parties involved on this matter, but I spoke to my dear friend today and I also conveyed this to the Honourable Chancellor. In fact, the united stance taken by the international community, particularly Europe, calls for an immediate end to the war, the reopening of the Straits, the resumption of free trade, the removal of the threat to energy security and global market, which, as you know, is also affecting food supplies due to fertiliser shortages, and a return to the previous system. International public opinion is almost unanimous on this issue. I also believe it is important that this alliance be transformed into a diplomatic leverage tool and used against the parties involved.

GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOHANN DAVID WADEPHUL – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/08xy8qEbu2I?si=_rVSgptzz-KAtR-O&t=1353

QUESTION – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] Foreign Minister Wadephul, the whole world is currently concerned about the US and Israel’s new arms build-up and the escalation of their military capabilities. How can these concerns be addressed? As the Foreign Ministers of Türkiye and Germany, you have spoken much about peace, but on the other hand, can you provide any guarantees regarding the delivery and safekeeping of the 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, and the Iranians' acceptance of it?

GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOHANN DAVID WADEPHUL – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/08xy8qEbu2I?si=aZBnsAOB6mGp5m5Q&t=1569

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN – That is an important question. As you know, the negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme have been going on for over 20 years. In short, there has been an ongoing negotiation process for years regarding how it would be possible to lift the sanctions imposed on Iran, provided that it fulfils the terms of the NPT, of which it is a member, and remains within its framework. A negotiation had been achieved under the JCPOA at one point, but it was subsequently rejected by the US due to certain circumstances. We are now on the brink of a new negotiation. Whilst the immediate priority remains, of course, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue will once again take centre stage; this involves either removing the enriched uranium from the country or diluting it to around 3.5 per cent so that it no longer poses a threat. This, of course, depends on the technical methods agreed upon by the parties involved, but the key issue is the absence of sufficient uranium to produce a nuclear weapon; the ongoing negotiations are one such example.

In practice, there is also this point: In fact, after the attack on nuclear facilities in June 2025, these large quantities of enriched uranium are now buried under rubble due to the collapse of massive tunnels, making it practically impossible for anyone to access them at the moment. These are also being observed by Americans from space. At present, there is no actual threat, but in order for this situation to continue in the future, the parties need to reach and conclude a nuclear agreement amongst themselves. I do not see any fundamental problem with the Iranian side agreeing to comply with the necessary conditions in the nuclear negotiations. However, there are disagreements among certain parties regarding what will be provided in return, how it will be obtained, in which order it will be obtained, and what conditions will be attached to it; as I mentioned, these are highly detailed matters, and I do not intend to go into the details here. We will continue to support the ongoing negotiations.

QUESTION- My question is for both Ministers.

First of all, how do you evaluate the situation in Gaza? There are reports that not enough humanitarian aid is reaching the area. Additionally, Israeli forces intervened against the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters today. The flotilla includes citizens of both Türkiye and Germany. How do you evaluate this issue? Do you have a message for Israel?

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN- I stated that in my speech. Starting with the Sumud Flotilla, the actions of the Sumud Flotilla are in fact linked to the consequences of the ongoing siege, blockade and occupation in Gaza. We can see that the genocide has been halted by the Gaza Peace Plan, but we also see that the conditions set out in the Peace Plan, particularly regarding humanitarian aid, medicines and other matters, have not been met. Of course, our teams, together with the mediators, have been engaged in intensive talks for weeks, particularly in Egypt. The Turkish side, the Qatari side, the Egyptian side, the American side and the Gaza delegation worked incredibly hard to figure out how the process could be taken to the next stage. As far as we can see, violations are continuing in this first phase, though there has been some improvement given the conditions of war; however, the ideal scenario, as my colleague also mentioned, is for the 20-point Gaza Peace Plan to be implemented gradually and for the conditions currently faced by over two million people in Gaza to be improved as soon as possible. This is our top priority. There are points in the Gaza Plan that provide for this; we need to put them into practice.

As you know, the Sumud Flotilla has more than 400 participants from 40 countries. We experienced this last October 2025 as well. A few weeks ago, there had also been an attack on the first Sumud Flotilla. Now there’s another attack on the second one this year. It is estimated that 25 boats have been intervened with so far. We are faced with a situation that is clearly contrary to international law, maritime security and freedom of navigation; as you know, the term for this in the literature is piracy. The safety of all activists joining the flotilla is of utmost importance. We are in contact with all countries that have citizens on board the flotilla. We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities and other countries to ensure the safe return of our citizens.

GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOHANN DAVID WADEPHUL – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/08xy8qEbu2I?si=KNjiGiLNhgn51w30&t=2004

QUESTION – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] Federal Minister, talks between Washington and Tehran are currently at an impasse. My question is: Mr. Minister, how do you evaluate the future of the Strait of Hormuz?

Minister Fidan, what is Türkiye’s role in the mediation process carried out under Pakistan’s leadership between Tehran and Washington with the aim of reducing tensions?

GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOHANN DAVID WADEPHUL – [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/08xy8qEbu2I?si=OiYCCfGi6zTnspbl&t=2214

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN - Dear friends, as we have stated before, Türkiye is making every possible contribution to the ongoing negotiations. We are in close coordination, especially with our Pakistani friends. We are in close contact with our colleagues in the United States. We also worked on the Ukraine issue with the same team. We also worked on the Gaza issue. In fact, we have considerable experience in resolving issues and crises, both with the American side and with parties in the Middle East. We also have close ties with Iran on this matter. We are making the most of this to see how we can contribute to the ongoing negotiations. Clearly, Qatar is making serious efforts in this regard, as is Egypt, and Saudi Arabia occasionally provides support as well. Essentially, everyone is doing their best as much as they can. In fact, the fact that the international community is adopting a united stance on this issue, with everyone wanting the Straits to be opened as soon as possible and the resumption of hostilities to be prevented, provides significant support to actors such as ourselves who are making intensive efforts in this regard. I would also like to thank my counterpart and, in his person, to the colleagues in the European Union.

* Deciphered by Interpress- unofficial translation from the Turkish text