Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim called a phone call Saturday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel "productive", following a row over rallies cancelled in Germany ahead of Turkey's key vote on presidential powers. Ankara and Berlin have been locked in acrimony over the last few days after German towns blocked events where Turkish ministers sought to address Turks living there about the April 16 referendum.Turkish voters will be asked whether to approve constitutional changes to create an executive presidency giving more power to the head of state.
Yildirim spoke with Merkel by telephone on Saturday and described their conversation as "good and productive" after ministers hit back at Berlin over its reaction. He told reporters that the foreign ministers of the two countries would meet next week to discuss the issue.