Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed on Thursday to improve strained ties between the two countries following months-long tensions between Ankara and Berlin, according to Anadolu.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Merkel in Berlin, Yildirim called for an intensified dialogue and stronger solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
“The PKK is a terrorist organization. The PYD/YPG is a terrorist organization.
“In fact, the YPG is the PYD/PKK’s Syrian offshoot. This is also confirmed by British and American intelligence.
“Whatever their names are, their main purpose is to violate peace in the region and create new troublesome fields,” he said, adding that Turkey wants to see its allies’ support.
The premier also said the decisiveness shown by the West in its fight against Daesh should also be displayed in the battle against the PYD/PKK and YPG terrorist organizations.
The German chancellor welcomed Turkish premier's first visit to Berlin and backed the need for dialogue to improve ties.
“I believe that this visit is a signal, showing that both sides have an interest in improving German-Turkish relations,” she said.
But she also acknowledged that difficult issues were on the agenda of bilateral relations.
"We must continue our intensive discussions,” Merkel added.