Ankara, February 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have called for strengthened international efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara on Wednesday, the two leaders underscored the importance of diplomacy and warned against actions that undermine international law.
Erdogan emphasized the urgent need for the global community to prioritize securing a ceasefire and pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
“Everyone has great responsibilities to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza. As the international community, we must continue our efforts for a two-state solution,” Erdogan stated.
The Turkish president also reaffirmed Türkiye’s ongoing cooperation with Germany on key regional issues, including the conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine.
Steinmeier Rejects Trump’s Gaza Relocation Plan
Steinmeier strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to “take over” Gaza and permanently relocate its Palestinian population to neighboring countries, deeming it unacceptable.
“A solution that disregards or even violates international law is unacceptable,” Steinmeier asserted. He emphasized that any lasting peace must ensure both security for Israel and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Steinmeier, who visited Saudi Arabia and Jordan before arriving in Türkiye, noted that regional leaders were overwhelmingly opposed to the plan.
“I encountered only disappointment, many concerns, and in some cases real outrage about Trump’s plan,” he added.
Trump’s remarks, made during a news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have sparked widespread international condemnation. The proposal has been rejected by multiple countries, including Türkiye, Germany, China, Russia, Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Regional Stability and Türkiye-Germany Cooperation
Beyond the issue of Gaza, both leaders discussed broader regional challenges, with Erdogan stressing the importance of achieving long-term peace in Syria.
“A Syria where lasting peace and prosperity prevail is the desire of all of us,” Erdogan remarked.
He also raised concerns about the rise of xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia in Europe, particularly its impact on the Turkish community.
Steinmeier’s visit to Ankara comes at a critical juncture as international pressure mounts on Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, Türkiye and Germany continue their diplomatic efforts to address key regional conflicts and strengthen bilateral ties.
