“The situation in Syria is steadily deteriorating. We are profoundly concerned. It is important now that nobody pour oil on the fire. We want to see calm and a de-escalation.
My visit to Turkey is intended to demonstrate our solidarity. The mortar attacks launched from Syria on Turkey are totally unacceptable.
My visit to Turkey therefore has a twofold message: firstly, I want to demonstrate our solidarity and highlight our partnership with our NATO partner Turkey; secondly, I also want to appeal for calm and a de escalation.
It is important that no-one react to provocation. Rather, we have to continue our work to make possible a new democratic order in Syria.
I will hear first-hand about the background to the forced landing of a Syrian passenger plane and the confiscation of items from the aircraft in Turkey.”