diplomacy

DIPLOMACY | 19.09.2011

Turkish president kicks off Germany visit

 

Germany is home to about 2.5 million Turkish nationals

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has begun a three-day visit to Germany after a private meeting with his German counterpart. The trip follows controversial comments over the weekend regarding Berlin's immigration policy.

 

Turkish President Abdullah Gul was set to begin the official portion of his visit to Germany on Monday, after a private program between Gul and his German counterpart, Christian Wulff, on Sunday evening. 

While in Germany, Gul is to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel and chair a meeting of the Turkish-German business forum, as well as oversee the signing of a new treaty designed to prevent double taxation.

Gul's visit coincides with the 50th anniversary the 1961 Turkish-German labor recruitment agreement, which ushered in a large wave of Turkish guest workers to Germany.

Ahead of his visit, Gul made waves by criticizing Germany's immigration policy, specifically a 2007 change to immigration law which requires a person living in Turkey to prove their knowledge of the German language if they wish to join their spouse in Germany.

"I find this policy wrong," Gul told German broadcaster ZDF on Saturday, arguing that it contradicted human rights standards.

Turkey's future in the European Union is also expected to play a prominent role during the visit. Turkish-German relations have been tainted by Germany's opposition to granting Turkey full EU membership.

Author: Sarah Harman (AP, dpa)
Editor: Martin Kuebler

 

 

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