Though the German president’s role is largely ceremonial, his words carry some weight and he has more freedom to express views than politicians.
Poland’s new president, Karol Nawrocki, will arrive in Berlin on Tuesday for his inaugural visit, where he is expected to press Germany on the issue of World War II reparations.
Mr Steinmeier’s four-day trip to three African countries will also include a visit to Lesotho.
In Hamburg, a memorial ceremony is planned for Monday evening at the Hohe Weide Synagogue, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz will also make a statement.
Relations between the two presidents were initially strained after Mr Zelensky told Mr Steinmeier in April 2022 that he was not welcome in Kyiv.
‘‘I am sure that membership in the EU has changed the Czech Republic.’’
Messrs Steinmeier and Erdoğan were scheduled to meet for around three hours, with some unpleasant topics likely to be discussed.
“Our German friends must see this tragic situation. The entire West stands by Israel,” Mr Erdoğan said.
“We will only ever make progress if we work together – and not if everyone shrinks back into their own worlds.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on German companies to show more interest in investing in African countries.
