“Turkey must accept EU values,” stated German Foreign Minister Johann Vadeful, expressing support for Greece regarding the SAFE program, during his visit to Ankara on Friday (17/10) where he met with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. “Turkey, to join SAFE, must resolve its problems in the region,” the German Foreign Minister characteristically said in an interview with the NTV television network, according to SKAI information.
Read: Turkey desperately pushes for Eurofighters: Why it’s buying C-130J from London
Germany: Prerequisites for Turkey’s integration into SAFE
Specifically, according to the same source, Mr. Vadeful, responding to a related question, clarified that Germany “desires Turkey’s integration into the SAFE program. Of course, this requires certain steps. I believe Turkey has turned toward Europe, but it must do certain things”. When asked by journalist Deniz Kilislioglu what steps need to be taken, Mr. Vadeful noted: “We consider it important for Turkey to accept EU values that are particularly significant. We are watching this carefully. For the EU, values such as rule of law, human rights, democracy, press freedom, parliamentary democracy are of great importance. These must be examined. We need to talk and approach each other. I know Turkey wants to approach Europe in these areas. However, in the coming period we must see clear steps in this direction. This will be an argument for our partners within the EU who today express their doubts and hesitations. And when some problems in the region are also resolved, then we will proceed with Turkey’s rapprochement with Europe”.
Eurofighter delivery to Turkey absolutely normal
Meanwhile, the German Foreign Minister, referring to the Eurofighter purchase that Ankara is pursuing, emphasized that their sale might be completed within the current year, as negotiations have progressed. “We recognize Turkey as a reliable NATO member. We want to strengthen our common alliance. And the delivery of Eurofighters to Turkey is absolutely normal. These will be used for Alliance defense and Greece is included in this alliance. For this reason, Germany also places great importance on continuing close defense cooperation with Turkey. We view this sale of Eurofighter jets positively”.
