German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Turkey on its contribution in the refugee crisis in an interview to German newspaper network ‘RedaktionNetzwerk Deutschland’. Merkel pointed the special relationship that existed between Turkey and Germany due to the presence of over 3 million citizens of Turkish ethnic background in the country, while she added that some instances of failed integration into German society should not lead to generalisations against citizens of Turkish origin living in Germany. Merkel stressed that she preferred a good relationship with Turkey over a tense one, explaining that is the spirit she adopts when meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan. ‘Turkey is a significant partner as a NATO ally. Turkey is important for the resolution of specific conflicts’, the German Chancellor underlined. ‘Turkey has received 3 million Syrian refugees, which a great accomplishment’, Merkel stressed.