Turkey shares a 900 km border with Syria and is in a difficult situation owing to this fact alone. During my phone call with my counterpart yesterday, I expressed my understanding for Turkey’s decision to take steps against those who are responsible for the terrible terrorist attacks of recent days. At the same time, I emphasised that the peace process so painstakingly established with the Kurds must not be derailed now – this would only make an already complex situation more difficult!

In the course of our conversation, the Turkish Foreign Minister assured me that the Turkish Government has a vested interest in pursuing the peace process. We will remain in close contact with Turkey on this issue, and also with regard to our joint efforts in the fight against ISIS. Our common aim is to ensure that ISIS does not continue to take hold in the region. This is also a precondition for coming closer to a political solution in Syria.