Turkish, German presidents speak over phone about efforts against terror

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The Turkish and German presidents spoke on the importance of joint efforts to fight terrorism in a phone conversation late on March 21, according to Turkish presidential sources.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Frank-Walter Steinmeier agreed to accelerate Turkish-German relations.

Erdoğan expressed Turkey’s determination to accelerate dialogue and cooperation with Germany’s new government, also mentioning his conversation with Chancellor Angela Merkel last week, the sources added.

The sources said both leaders mentioned how the Turkish community living in Germany forms a strong tie between the two countries.

Erdoğan also shared information about Turkey’s “Operation Olive Branch” in northwestern Syria, the sources added.

Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” on Jan. 20 to clear the People’s Protection Units (YPG) from Afrin in northwestern Syria. On March 18, the Turkish armed forces and Syrian rebel allies declared full control over the city.