BREAKING NEWS: Remarkable visa decision from a European country! 'It will be accelerated for Türkiye'

While answering questions from MPs in the Bundestag, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany is working on new steps to improve visa processes with Türkiye.

Reminding that the Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) State, Hendrik Wüst, announced that visa convenience would be provided for Turkish business people during his visit to Türkiye in September, Wadephul stated that preparations on this issue are continuing and said, "We are currently implementing this very quickly. All units have been assigned to this issue." he said.

Pointing out that it would not be possible for Germany to speed up visa procedures through administrative regulations alone, Wadephul stated that more personnel should be allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the budget discussions in the Bundestag.

In addition, Wadephul stated that they are evaluating other measures in Türkiye and that they may consider opening a branch where applications can be made and some consular transactions can be carried out.

WAITING PERIOD FOR FAMILY REUNION AND VISIT VISAS

When asked about the fact that those who want to come to Germany from Türkiye for reasons such as family visit and family reunion wait for a visa for more than a year in some cases, Wadephul argued that most of the visa procedures are concluded without unusual waiting periods.

Stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the vast majority of visa procedures, Wadephul said, "Most visas are processed without unusual waiting times." he said.

Admitting that Türkiye is among the countries where waiting times continue, Wadephul stated that they resorted to methods such as digitalization, regionalization and flexible distribution of personnel to solve this problem.

The German Minister pointed out that the current staff capacity is insufficient to finalize visa applications faster and said, "However, we are reaching our borders, my dear colleagues. I must say clearly that if the procedures are expected to be accelerated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and especially the BfAA are needed." he said.

GAVE A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO ISRAEL

Regarding questions regarding developments in the Middle East and Iran's policies, Wadephul emphasized that Germany continues to support Israel's security and existence.

Stating that there is no uncertainty in Germany's stance regarding Israel's right to defend itself, Wadephul called on all political parties and groups in the Bundestag to take a clear stance on this issue.

Arguing that Iran's state ideology aims to eliminate Israel as a state and kill Jews, Wadephul said that Israel is defending itself against this threat.

The German Minister reiterated that Germany supports Israel's security and existence and stated that their political stance on this issue is clear.

'RUSSIA IS DOING EVERYTHING WRONG'

Referring to his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the G20 summit in the USA, Wadephul stated that one of the reasons for this meeting was to directly convey Europe's stance.

Wadephul, who stated that the failure of diplomatic efforts after his meeting with Lavrov could not be shown as the responsibility of Germany or Europe, stated that the attempts would remain fruitless unless Russia was ready for the meeting.

The German Minister said, "Given the fact that I am the only European foreign minister who has spoken with Sergey Lavrov so far, I find it quite absurd that accusations are being made against me here now for having a relaxed attitude." he said.

Wadephul stated that joint photographs were taken with Lavrov and other participants, but he did not choose to give a separate family photo with his Russian counterpart, and stated that this carried a political message.

"There is no point in posing for a family photo with the Russian Foreign Minister and giving the impression that everything is fine. Nothing is fine, Russia is doing everything wrong," Wadephul said. he said.

HE WANTED GRAIN SHIPMENTS FROM THE BLACK SEA TO START AGAIN

Wadephul said that in his meeting with Lavrov, he also brought up the possibility of making grain shipments via the Black Sea possible again.

Stating that he wanted Russia to take urgent steps on this issue, Wadephul drew attention to the importance of the issue in terms of global food security.

HE WANTS ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN PALESTINE

Responding to questions about the elections that have not been held in Palestine for a long time, Wadephul stated that Germany supports the Palestinians to hold free, equal and democratic elections.

Making evaluations about Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's postponement of the elections again, Wadephul stated that Germany expressed its criticism of this decision together with the European Union (EU) countries.

However, Wadephul acknowledged that there were serious practical obstacles to the elections and emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Gaza should be improved and Israel should provide the necessary financial resources to the Palestinians.

Wadephul also conveyed their stance on Israel's release of the tax revenues necessary for the Palestinian administration to hold elections and said, "These resources belong to the Palestinians. They are still working on a solution." he said.