The European Union will continue to support Turkey in addressing issues related to illegal immigration, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday, stressing that Turkey and Germany have always shared common interests.

Merkel made the remarks at a joint press conference held after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during her farewell visit to Istanbul.

For his part, Erdogan said he hoped there would be a good working relationship with the future German government.