ANKARA-BERLIN TIES DEPEND ON COUNTERTERRORISM COOPERATION, TURKISH ENVOY SAYS
wants normalized relations with Germany and expects Berlin to show more solidarity with Ankara in the fight against terrorism, ambassador to Germany Ali Kemal Aydın said Monday.
"Despite all our differences and problems recently, it is our common hope to begin normalizing our relations through mutual steps," Aydın said during a reception at the Turkish Embassy in Berlin marking Republic Day.
He said that Ankara had clear expectations from Berlin in the fight against terrorist groups such as the PKK and Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).
"As we are now in a critically important period and fighting more than one terrorist organization, for us, the security of our country is above everything," he said. "We expect our friends to stand with us and show understanding and solidarity with Turkey. It wouldn't be realistic to hope for progress in our relations without achieving cooperation in this area at a basic level."
Ties between Ankara and Berlin have been strained in recent months as Turkish leaders slam Germany for turning a blind eye to the activities of outlawed groups and terrorist organizations hostile to Turkey.
German politicians also sharpened their criticism of Ankara ahead of general elections in Germany last month, raising concerns over human rights issues amid widespread investigations by Turkish authorities into the PKK and FETÖ.
Germany, which is home to 3 million Turkish-Germans, is among the countries where FETÖ has managed to organize a large network, including dozens of businesses, private schools and media organizations.
Since the foiled coup attempt, dozens of former officials, including soldiers, have come to Germany from neighboring countries or Turkey and applied for asylum.
Apart from FETÖ, the PKK terrorist group also has a large network in Germany and carries out significant propaganda, recruitment and funding activities. The group has nearly 14,000 followers in the country, according to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Germany's domestic intelligence agency.