Politics
08:46, 16-Aug-2018
After trade spat with US, Turkey's Erdogan and Germany's Merkel discuss to improve ties
Updated
08:04, 19-Aug-2018
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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed bilateral ties and the situation in Syria during a phone call on Wednesday, a spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday.
The two leaders confirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation through mutual high-level visits and contacts, said a Turkish presidential source.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands during their meeting at the Presidential Palace on February 2, 2017 in Ankara. /VCG Photo
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands during their meeting at the Presidential Palace on February 2, 2017 in Ankara. /VCG Photo
Erdogan and Merkel agreed that Turkey's Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and Germany's Economy Minister Peter Altmaier will meet in the coming days, the spokesman confirmed.
However, the spokesman did not say in an emailed statement when or where the ministers will meet.
They also discussed recent developments, as well as Erdogan’s upcoming official visit to Germany set for September 28-29, the Turkish presidential source added.
Erdogan last paid Berlin an official visit in 2014.
Merkel also stressed that the strength of the Turkish economy is important for Germany.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak to the media following talks at the Chancellery on February 04, 2014. /VCG Photo
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak to the media following talks at the Chancellery on February 04, 2014. /VCG Photo
She told a news conference on Monday that an "economically prosperous Turkey" serves Germany's interests.
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Turkey has been rocked in recent days by a sharp decline in the value of its lira after US President Donald Trump tweeted last Friday that Washington was doubling aluminium and steel tariffs for Ankara.
Washington’s move came during an ongoing dispute over Turkey’s holding of an American pastor for two years.
In response, Erdogan has called for a boycott of US electrical goods.
(With inputs from agencies)