Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul Gelisim University Dr. Durgun evaluated President Erdoğan's last visit to Germany.

Prof. Dr. Şenol Durgun has commented on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's last visit to Germany and he said: "In recent years, relations between Turkey and Germany did not have a positive trend. Especially in the pre-election period, Germany had an ambiguously partisan attitude, and assisted opposition and the terrorist organizations such as the PKK and FETO, and its affiliates to carry out organizations in Germany. And it prohibited JDP to carry out meetings in Germany. This attitude caused a tension in the relations between two countries. This attitude of Germany has existed for a long time. The trade wars started by USA after the election of Donald Trump included Europe as well and this resulted with the change of policies in Germany, followed by Netherlands and Belgium. Last visit was a result of these.”
 
“TURKISH GERMAN RELATIONS HAVE A LONG HISTORY”

Durgun said that the interests of the country may force countries to have good relations. He added: “Turkish-German relations are far beyond the relations between two countries. First of all, this relationship has a historical aspect. Turkey has a partnership of  fate with Germany. Besides, the contributions of the German army members to the construction of the Land Forces is an issue that everyone knows.”

 
“THESE RELATIONS CANNOT BE LEFT TO THE HANDS OF RADICAL OR MARGINAL GROUPS”

Durgun has also added that the German academics have contributed to Turkey in scientific field and that the economic relations between two countries have formed a deep and well-structured relationship. He added: “As a result of the immigration of workers from Turkey to Germany in 1960s, today there are approximately three million Turkish citizens living in Germany. They are intertwined with the German society. The presence of these people are should not be overseen regarding the relations between Turkey and Germany's political game. When we think from this perspective, this relationship involves the obligations of both countries and it is not a relationship to be left to the hands of some radical or marginal groups.”
 
“ANY ACTION IN GERMANY MAY HAVE A DOMINO EFFECT IN EUROPE “
 
Durgun continued: “Germany is one of the countries where Islamophobia is very strong. In German society, there have been racist attitudes and attacks for a long time. This situation is more prevalent especially against Turkish and Muslim communities. Because Germany is the leading country of the European Union, any action in this country may have domino effect throughout Europe. This will have negative impacts on mutual relations. As a matter of fact, President’s visit to Germany is a sign that relations with other European countries will be shaped too. President’s meeting with the prime minister of Belgium at United Nations (UN) talks before his visit to Germany and putting the diplomatic relations with Netherlands back to its track all indicate that relations between Turkey and these countries are getting better".
 
“PROBLEMS WITH GERMANY ARE IN ALL FIELDS OF LIFE”

Durgun continued: “Any problems witnessed with a country where three million citizens live are not formal, but in all fields of life. The issues that became more important in recent years in the relations between countries are the sheltering of terrorists in Germany and the German government’s tolerance for them in order to carry out political activities in Germany and the financial support. These are issues about which Republic of Turkey is highly concerned. I think this is the key point regarding the improvement of relations.”
 
“SECURITY PROBLEMS ARE MORE IMPORTANT IN TURKISH-GERMAN RELATIONS”

Durgun stated that President Tayyip Erdoğan had complained about Germany's double-standardized attitude at a press conference and dinner with German Chancellor Merkel and German President Steinmeir.
He ended his talk as follows: "PKK and supporters have been organizing in Germany for a long time, and it is known that German government has been providing the necessary financial and political support. FETÖ fugitives have also been added to this after the July 15th coup attempt. As a matter of fact, these issues were emphasized during the last visit of the President. President complained that despite the presence of agreements on extradition between two countries, FETO fugitives who were sentenced by Turkish judiciary system are allowed to live in Germany and sometimes they are treated specially. This shows that the Turkish - German relations are dominated by security related issues, but not social or economic ones. If Turkey witnesses a positive development regarding the issues related with security, then the relations will also have a more positive improvement. One of the primary issues for Germany is the refugee problem and as the statements of European leaders indicate, Turkey has been doing its best regarding this issue.”