German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Istanbul in September 2006 to attend the launch of the Ernst Reuter Initiative on Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding, held at the Esma Sultan Mansion. The event was broadcast live on television in both Türkiye and Germany.
Steinmeier declared Berlin's backing for Türkiye's EU accession bid, calling the commitment firm and rooted in mutual interests. He acknowledged that the road to membership involves obstacles but said both sides were on the right course. He and Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gül, he noted, meet frequently and share close political ties.
Steinmeier also highlighted the legacy of Ernst Reuter, the initiative's namesake, who lived in Türkiye for years and is little remembered in either country. He called for recognition of the many European scholars and professionals who settled in Türkiye around 1945 and left lasting contributions.
Gül said intercultural understanding must extend beyond governments to civil society, urging non-governmental organizations, intellectuals, and journalists to lead the effort. He argued that democracies should treat differences in culture, religion, and language as assets rather than divisions. Steinmeier departed Istanbul for Germany after the event concluded.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.