H.E. Joachim Gauck, President of the Federal Republic of Germany is paying a state visit to Turkey at the invitation of President of Turkey, H.E. Abdullah Gül.

President Gül and President Gauck had a tete-a-tete meeting and chaired the talks between their delegations. During the meetings, all aspects of the relations between the two countries, particularly political and economic issues were discussed, views were exchanged on current regional and international issues including Turkish-EU relations.

Speaking at the joint press conference, President Gül recalled that Germany as one of the leading countries in the European Union supported the start of accession negotiations with Turkey and added that in their meetings they reviewed this issue extensively. Noting that he asked Germany’s support for opening of new chapters to negotiation President Gül said “We expect the successful completion of the accession process within the framework of the pacta sund servanda principle.”

Underlining that approximately 3 million Turkish people living in Germany are the strongest link between the two countries, President Gül welcomed the steps taken by Germany concerning dual-citizenship.

For detailed information on President Gauck’s visit to Turkey : www.tccb.gov.tr