BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting German troops deployed to operate Patriot missile batteries in Turkey.

The chancellor’s first stop was Kahramanmaras, some 100 kilometers from the n border, where about 300 German troops are manning two out of six NATO-deployed anti-missile batteries. The Patriots have been sent to Turkey, a NATO member, to protect it from spillover from Syria’s civil war.

Merkel’s two-day visit comes as Turkey grows increasingly frustrated over the slow progress in its bid for membership.

Before arriving Sunday, Merkel said she backs opening a new chapter in those stalled talks, despite being skeptical about Turkey’s accession. Merkel will hold talks with Turkish leaders on Monday.

(Source: CNTV.cn)