Erdogan, Merkel to meet amid tensions, protests

FRANKFURT — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a state visit to Germany this week as the two countries seek to rebuild ties after a series of sharp spats.

It will be Erdogan’s first official visit to Germany since becoming president in 2014, and follows a prolonged bout of tensions.

“The main goal of this visit is to completely leave behind this period (of tensions),” Erdogan told Turkish media.

The Turkish leader was scheduled to land in Berlin on Thursday and hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel over the following two days.

On Saturday, Erdogan will travel to Cologne to open one of Europe’s largest mosques.

Commentators said that Erdogan’s push for a fresh start came as its economy is struggling and relations with the United States have worsened.

With no shortage of political and economic issues hanging over the visit, the shadow of soccer also looms large.

Turkey and Germany are locked in a bitter race to host the Euro 2024 tournament, with the winner to be announced the day Erdogan arrives.

Germany’s bid has been clouded by Turkish-origin player Mesut Ozil’s resignation from the national team over perceived racism — a move praised by Erdogan.

Merkel, whose country is home to a 3-million-strong Turkish community, has repeatedly stressed the importance of good relations with Ankara, a partner she relies on to help stem the flow of migrants arriving on European shores.

But Germany’s best-selling Bild newspaper said it was too soon to roll out the red carpet for Erdogan, who just 18 months ago accused Berlin of “Nazi practices” for blocking rallies supporting him ahead of a referendum that gave him sweeping new powers.

“Now that Turkey is grappling with a currency crisis and its economy has hit rockbottom, Erdogan wants to be our friend again,” it said in an editorial.

“This is too much pomp and ceremony for Erdogan. We’re not there yet.”