Berlin, 17 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz underlined the importance of direct dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan given their differing views on the Middle East conflict.

"Mr President, it's no secret that we have very different views on the conflict," said Scholz in a press conference ahead of a dinner with Erdoğan.

"This is precisely why our talks are important, especially in difficult moments we need direct dialogue with each other."

Erdoğan has called the Islamist group Hamas a "liberation organization," accused Israel of "genocide" in the Gaza Strip and questioned Israel's right to exist.

Germany has underlined its unwavering support for Israel and has backed Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza.

"Israel's right to exist is irrefutable for us," Scholz said. "There is no place for anti-Semitism in our country, regardless of whether it is politically motivated or religious, whether it comes from the right or the left, whether it has grown here for centuries or comes into the country from outside."

Scholz also said he opposed anyone who want to deny Muslims their place in Germany.

He said the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza was depressing and said he wanted to talk to Erdoğan about "how we can prevent further escalation, because we share the concern about a conflagration in the Middle East."

Photo: dpa