Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel has opposed Turkey's full membership in the European Union.

She announced this on the eve of a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

“However, we do not wish to lose Turkey as an important strategic partner,” said the head of the German government. In her opinion, the EU should find ways to build closer political cooperation with Turkey.

Abdullah Gul, who is now on an official visit to Germany, spoke at Berlin's Humboldt University, where he stressed that Ankara's strategic goal for the foreseeable future is to join the EU.

His speech was postponed for several hours due to a bomb threat which was further revealed to be false, The Voice of Russia reported.