Erdoğan, Merkel discuss counter-terrorism over phone

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke over the phone on March 15 to discuss bilateral and Turkey-EU relations and regional issues, according to diplomatic sources.

During the conversation, Erdoğan congratulated Merkel for being re-elected to a fourth term as Germany’s chancellor.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to accelerate dialogue and cooperation.

They vowed to collaborate in the fight against illegal migration and on refugee issues.

The leaders stressed joint cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Erdoğan and Merkel also emphasized the significance of a key EU-Turkey summit set for March 26 in Varna, Bulgaria.

According to a senior EU official, EU-Turkey relations, regional and international issues, including global foreign policy, security and the fight against terrorism, the Middle East, Africa and Russia are expected to be discussed during the summit.

Erdoğan also shared information on the latest developments of “Operation Olive Branch.”

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” to clear Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants from Afrin.