Developments in Syria currently appear to be favorable to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has already formulated his strategy and given his “blessings” for the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. At the same time, he states that he considers only two people as world leaders: himself and Vladimir Putin.

During a discussion with students, one young man referred to Angela Merkel’s book, reminding the Turkish president of references to the country’s diplomatic relations with Germany. The student asked Erdogan what he owes his success in diplomatic relations to, to which he replied: “it is important that the dialogue mechanism continues. We call this the “attacks” of diplomacy. There are only two left among world leaders. It is only me and Putin. I have completed 22 years in the presidency. Putin is catching up. Everyone else has been neutralized or gone.”

“Politics in Germany is over”

“Merkel had a place in German politics. After she left politics in Germany is over. One of my favorite leaders is Gerhard Schröder (former chancellor). Schroeder’s respect towards us was different and he was a really good leader. His relationship with us was very, very different. For example, Schroeder didn’t drink beer at the table where I was sitting during Ramadan. He was a very respectful person, a different person. We talk to this day and he visits Turkey. Schroeder has a very strong position in German politics. I hope there will be politicians similar to Schröder in Turkey,” he added.