Scholz is making a diplomatic visit to Turkey, following a European Union summit centered on migration issues and in the context of a passionate domestic debate on stricter asylum regulations and heightened deportations.

During a meeting commemorating a century of diplomatic ties between Germany and Turkey, Erdoğan expressed a wish to overcome prior issues in defense collaboration. “We are eager to put behind us some of the past challenges we faced in obtaining defense industry products and strengthen our cooperation,” he stated.

Erdoğan also pointed an accusing finger at Israel for what he termed as genocide in Gaza, urging for more international intervention to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the enclosed area. While Scholz dismissed Erdoğan’s genocide claim, he emphasized that civilian casualties on both sides should be equally acknowledged, as reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau.

“We clearly have differing opinions on Israel,” Scholz admitted, according to Tagesspiegel.

The German leader expressed optimism that the tension in Lebanon could be eased if a United Nations resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Shiite Hezbollah militia from the border area is enforced.

Scholz touched down in Istanbul Friday evening, following a meeting with US President Joe Biden and the heads of France and Britain in Berlin.