On the 36th anniversary of the unification of East Germany and West Germany, a "German Unity Day" reception was held at the German Embassy in Ankara. The event hosted by German Ambassador to Ankara Sibylle Katharina Sorg and North Rhine-Westphalia State Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst was attended by German State Minister Serap Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Chief Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the President Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay and Hacı Ali Özel, as well as some members of parliament and representatives of diplomatic missions.
'PEOPLES ARE THE BASIS OF OUR RELATIONS'
Ambassador Sorg said, "Turkey and Germany are close friends, and the most important basis of our relations is you, our people. It is you who give life to our friendship and carry it forward at the political, economic, cultural, personal and family levels. I express my gratitude to all of you for the contributions you provide every year. We must cooperate much more closely. The situation of the world drives us all to be alert. Here, our friendship forms the basis of our standing in unity. In the field of security, this year's NATO summit in Ankara was successful. "In Malatya, German Patriot systems are currently protecting the southeastern wing of the Alliance. Economically, Germany continues to be Türkiye's largest trade partner, reaching a new record of 55 billion euros in 2025. We have intense interaction at the political level; there have been five meetings between the Chancellor and the President since May 2025, and seven meetings between our foreign ministers."
'WE DO NOT AGREE ON EVERY MATTER'
German State Minister Serap Güler said, "Turkey and Germany have always been close friends; between friends, we talk openly and honestly. Of course, this has not always been easy. Germany and Turkey do not agree on everything, but the same is true between my best friend and me. The main thing is that we work together on these issues. We have actually done this over the past year. We meet frequently and discuss all important issues openly and in detail. From European security to migration, from trade to the European Union-Türkiye." "The German Federal Government is working with all its might to develop this partnership with Türkiye in many areas, from relations to investment to culture," he said. Stating that the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is also working hard on this issue, Güler addressed the state prime minister, Wüst, and said, "Mr. Hendrik, you understand this very well. You are the first Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia who made visiting Türkiye a priority during your term of office."
'WE OWE OUR PROSPERITY IN THE STATE TO THE TURKS'
Hendrik Wüst said: "This year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of North Rhine-Westphalia and at the same time the 65th anniversary of the labor agreement with Turkey. These two anniversaries are intertwined. Our state owes its prosperity to the determination and courage of the people who left their homeland behind to come to Germany. Many of them came from Türkiye as guest workers, pioneers and young people with little belongings but great hopes. They produced steel, built roads and - just like They worked in coal mines, often in harsh conditions, away from their families - as did Serap Güler's father. Fortunately, many of them stayed here and made their home in North Rhine-Westphalia. Today, our state is home to 1 million people of Turkish origin, and I am grateful that many of them serve as a bridge between our countries. "Thank you for your friendship," he said.
'MADE IN EUROPE' CALL FROM KACIR
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır said that the relations between the two countries date back to 1763 and said, "The achievements of the Turkish community in Germany in various fields such as science, sports, art, politics and business are a source of pride and provide vital momentum for the future of our cooperation. Today, we are talking about a truly unique, multi-dimensional, multi-layered and solid relationship."
Kacır also said, "As a candidate country for EU membership, Turkey sees its future as closely tied to the peace and prosperity of Europe. Türkiye's position in the European industry is secured by our Customs Union with the EU. This framework has enabled our companies to establish integrated production networks, make cross-border investments and compete together in global markets for thirty years. The trade volume between Turkey and the EU reaching 233 billion dollars reflects the depth of this economic integration. 'Made in Europe' We believe that the initiative should fully reflect the Customs Union and Türkiye's role in European value chains. Turkish manufacturers are indispensable partners for German industry, and German investments in Türkiye form an integral part of these networks. Therefore, any obstacle that will affect production in Türkiye will have consequences for the German business world and our common competitiveness. An approach that will disrupt established supply chains will affect producers and suppliers on both sides. "He needs assurance that it will continue," he said.
