German–Turkish Treaty of Friendship (June 18, 1941)

After the outbreak of World War I in 1939, Turkish president Ismet Inönü pursued a policy of neutrality (Anglo/Franco-Turkish Treaty), and tried to avoid involvement in the war. Since Turkey’s strategic location is very important. Nazi Germany tried to draw Turkey away from Britain. The Germans occupied French and converted Bulgaria and Romania in the west into Axis allies. Germany used the blitzkrieg to quickly occupy France and other countries. With the new Vichy regime in Syria, Turkey was basically surrounded. Turkey felt the threat of Germany. Finally, Turkey and Germany signed German–Turkish Treaty of Friendship in Ankara on June 18, 1941.