(VOVworld) – Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday held a phone call amid a diplomatic spat between two countries.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a joint press conference in Ankara on February 2nd. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Prime Minister Yildirim told reporters that the phone call was good and productive, adding that the two countries’ foreign ministers will meet next week to discuss their bilateral relations.

Tensions between Ankara and Berlin have escalated after Germany criticized Turkey’s suppressing activities after the last year’s failed coup attempt. In February, Turkey arrested German Die Welt journalist Deniz Yucel, who is accused of terrorist propaganda.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Berlin will do everything to maintain dialogue with Ankara over concerns that Turkey will halt cooperation with Europe to block the immigration flow.