Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoğlu on his inaugural visit to the Federal Chancellery. One of the main issues on the agenda was integration, including education, training and language. The State Minister and Federal Government Commissioner for Integration Aydan Özoğuz, who has Turkish roots herself, also attended the meeting.

German-Turkish government consultations

Angela Merkel and Ahmet Davutoğlu agreed to hold regular German-Turkish government consultations in future as a result of the broad spectrum of bilateral and international issues to be discussed. Consultations will take place annually, alternately at head of government and foreign minister level. In the coming year the Chancellor will attend the first round of consultations in Ankara.

Cooperation in the field of science and research

At their meeting Angela Merkel and Ahmet Davutoğlu also discussed the intensive relations between the two countries in the field of science and research. In this context the Chancellor pointed to the Turkish-German University in Istanbul, which admitted its first 125 students in the academic year 2013/12014. It currently offers three bachelor’s and three master’s degree courses.

The economic and domestic-policy situation in Turkey was another point on the agenda. Angela Merkel pointed to the progress made on religious matters, under the new Prime Minister in particular. She also raised the issue of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The German government worked to have EU accession negotiations with Turkey opened, and continues to support further negotiations, without the outcome being a foregone conclusion, as Angela Merkel stressed. Important points still have to be clarified, she said, including the discussion about the rule of law and the Cyprus conflict. In the latter, in particular, Germany would like to act as a partner.

Joining forces against terrorism

Its geographical situation means that Turkey is affected particularly badly by the civil war in Syria and the IS terrorist organisation. Angela Merkel and Ahmet Davutoğlu thus also discussed foreign-policy issues, including common strategies in the fight against IS.

"Turkey is an ally in the fight against terrorism. To put it another way we are acting together. We may sometimes differ on the finer points, but we stand side by side against terrorism." The stationing of the Bundeswehr’s Patriot air defence system in southern Turkey is further cementing the friendship between the two countries, continued the Chancellor.

The civil war in Syria is a threat to the Turkish people and to Turkish territory. Against this background the Bundeswehr initially stationed its Patriot systems in Turkey.

Angela Merkel stressed that the two countries see a new government in Iraq in the same way too. An inclusive approach is needed for Iraq. Angela Merkel explained that "all sections of the population and all religious groups must be treated equally in the country, must assume responsibility, and that this must be reflected in the army in particular".

Resolving the Syria conflict

Syria too was an issue on the agenda of the meeting. The discussion about Kobane is a discussion that involves territory that directly borders Turkey, said Angela Merkel. To resolve the conflict it is important to listen to one another and compare concepts.

"There is a will to cooperate here," said Angela Merkel, and praised the efforts made by President Recep Erdoğan to bring about reconciliation with Turkey’s Kurdish population. This is of existential importance – not only for Turkey, but for all of us, explained the Chancellor.

Angela Merkel praised Turkey’s enormous efforts to take in refugees streaming across the border from Syria. She termed this "a very major humanitarian contribution" and stressed the need to find a political solution to the conflict.

Peaceful coexistence in Germany

Islam is part of Germany, said former Federal President Christian Wulff, reminded the Chancellor. "And I too believe that." Irrespective of their faith, all people who respect the law, live here and learn the language are welcome in Germany. "I am the Chancellor of all Germans," she stated unequivocally. And that, she added, includes everybody who lives here permanently or for a longer period, "whatever their background and wherever they originally come from".

Angela Merkel also stressed the need to improve inter-religious dialogue. "We know too little about one another." She is very grateful to the Muslims in Germany for their clear rejection of violence. "This absolute clarity is extremely helpful for the coexistence of different faiths in our country."

Finally, the Chancellor pointed to the protest vigil organised by Muslim associations, due to take place on Tuesday. She announced that she would be attending it, along with many of her Cabinet ministers. This is a strong signal of support for the peaceful coexistence of different religions in Germany, said Angela Merkel.