"We are aware that our bilateral relations were in deep water, and in some ways still are. But we are endeavouring step by step to resolve the cases that are responsible for this," declared Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday following a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

The case of Deniz Yücel must be resolved

The case of Deniz Yücel must now be resolved, Angela Merkel continued. "He has been held for over a year in prison without charge." She reported that she had once again pointed out today that this case is particularly urgent – as are all other cases. "The expectation that a charge will be forthcoming is great. And I made this very clear to the Prime Minister," said Angela Merkel.

A total of six German citizens are currently detained in Turkish prisons for reasons that are not apparent. Four of them hold dual citizenship.

Question of the rule of law

The Chancellor reported that the two heads of government had also discussed questions relating to the rule of law. The German side has always stressed that it condemns the attempted coup in Turkey.

Nevertheless investigations must remain proportionate. She said she had made it plain "that we would like to see rule-of-law mechanisms and that we will push for these". In this regard, she continued, the German side has "many concerns".

Importance of German-Turkish relations

Angela Merkel and Binali Yildirim also discussed the major importance of German-Turkish relations. On the one side, differences exist in "how we see values and the way these are translated into practice". On the other, the two countries have shared interests – even in complicated times.

These result partly from the fact that three million people with Turkish roots today live in Germany. They are a bridge between cultures, enabling the two sides to deal reasonably with one another. The Chancellor also mentioned the fact that both countries belong to NATO and that both are engaged together in the fight against terrorism.

The long-standing economic relations that link the two countries are also important, and both sides are interested in taking these to the next level. "That of course presupposes that we can deal with one another on the basis of mutual trust and understanding," declared the Chancellor. Thus, the two sides have agreed to step up contacts "once we once again have a stable government in Germany, which we hope will be soon".

Situation in Turkey’s neighbouring countries

Angela Merkel praised Turkey for taking in Syrian refugees. Germany, she says, fully understands how costly and complicated it is to provide schooling and health care, and to ensure that refugees are integrated into the labour market. That is why Germany particularly appreciates the efforts Turkey has made in this regard, said Angela Merkel.