Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel mainly discussed developments in Syria, Iraq and the Aegean during today their meeting, Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Merkel after their conversation in Ankara.
Erdogan said he discussed with Merkel on cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the refugee crisis and possible reciprocal steps in Syria.
Chancellor Merkel expressed to President Erdogan concern regarding freedom of expression and the press in his country
The German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged today the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan to guarantee respect for freedom of expression in Turkey, during the joint press conference in Ankara, while remaining few weeks before the referendum on revision of the Constitution by which the powers of the will strengthened.
The head of the German government, which visited Turkey for the first time after the failed attempt of July coup, also said he pointed the Turkish President concerned about the state of press freedom in the country and the difficulties faced by correspondents German media to obtain accreditation from the Turkish authorities.
Relations between Ankara and Berlin, two pillars of NATO, have deteriorated after the attempted coup of July, followed by a wave of persecution, causing concern of European countries. The Angela Merkel found in focus severe criticism in Germany but also from the opposition in Turkey on this journey, just weeks before the referendum, scheduled for April.
"I stressed that the separation of powers and freedom of expression must be guaranteed 'in the constitutional review Erdogan wants, said German chancellor in a joint press conference with Turkish President at the presidential palace in Ankara.
The Angela Merkel stressed further that the referendum in Turkey should be under the Agency's delegation surveillance for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
"With the coup attempt, we have seen how the Turkish people defending democracy and the rules of democracy in Turkey," said Merkel, referring to the failed attempt of July coup.
"Just so, in this crucial phase, it is important that freedom of expression be respected in this regard we talked about freedom of the press," he added while sitting next to Erdogan.
"The opposition is part of democracy," Merkel stressed.
On his part, the head of the Turkish state rejected the criticism expressed by the executives of the Turkish opposition, expressing fears for the abolition of the separation of powers if the constitutional amendment, which would greatly enhance his powers, approved.
"This has no basis whatsoever (...) There is a legislative body, no government, there is justice," said Erdogan.
"There is no question that the separation of powers is terminated," insisted the Turkish president.
The revision of the Constitution "the executive body will have more opportunities to work faster. The judiciary will maintain its power and will operate as usual under the new system, "said he.
The two discussion leaders also agreement on immigration concluded last March between Turkey and the EU, as well as on the situation in Syria and Iraq, and trade relations between the two countries, according to Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
It is the third time that Merkel visited Turkey from March 18, 2016, when the EU and Ankara concluded an agreement on immigration.
"The refugee issue is very important for Turkey as well as for the EU and Germany," stressed German Chancellor, adding that the agreement on refugees is based on "public interest".
The Angela Merkel is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and opposition officials.
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