His support for Greece regarding the SAFE program was expressed by the German Foreign Minister, Johann Vandefühl, who visited Ankara yesterday where he had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

In an interview with the NTV television network, he said that “Turkey, in order to join SAFE, must solve its problems in the region”, as transmitted by SKAI’s correspondent in Istanbul, Manolis Kostidis.

When asked about this, Mr. Vandeful clarified that Germany “desires the inclusion of Turkey in the SAFE program. Of course, this requires some steps. I think that Turkey has turned towards Europe, but it should do some things”.

When asked by journalist Deniz Kilislioglu what steps should be taken, Mr. Vandeful noted:

“We consider it important that Turkey accepts the values ​​of the EU which are particularly important. We are watching it carefully. For the E.U. values ​​such as the rule of law, human rights, democracy, freedom of the press, parliamentary democracy are of great importance. These should be looked into. To talk and approach each other. I know that Turkey wants to approach Europe in these areas. But in the next period we should see the clear steps in this direction. This will be an argument to our partners within the EU. who today express their doubts and hesitations. And when some problems in the region are resolved, then we will proceed with Turkey’s rapprochement with Europe”.

Eurofighters in focus

He himself, referring to the Eurofighter purchase that Ankara is seeking, emphasized that their sale may be completed within this year, as negotiations have progressed. “We recognize Turkey as a reliable member of NATO. We want to strengthen our common alliance. And it is perfectly normal to send Eurofighters to Turkey. These will be used for the defense of the Alliance and Greece is included in this alliance. For this reason, Germany also attaches great importance to continuing a close defense cooperation with Turkey. We see positively this sale of Eurofighter fighters”.