Peter Altmaier, chief of staff to German Chancellor Angela Merkel | Adam Berry/Getty Images ‘Germany will defend its honor’ in Turkey row, says Merkel chief of staff Peter Altmaier does not think future of EU-Turkey migration deal is at risk, though.

Peter Altmaier, Angela Merkel's chief of staff, told local media Monday that Germany will defend its honor in the ongoing Turkey row.

In a response to questions about the remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan earlier this month, who compared a German ban on rallies by Turkish politicians to “Nazi practices,” Altmaier said that political parties in the country agreed that “Germany has its honor and it will defend it.”

“These comparisons are unacceptable,” said Altmaier, who is a trusted aide of the German chancellor, adding that the remarks were not directed specifically at Merkel or ministers, but at Germany as a whole. He said that the country will discuss the topic in the coming week.

“We’ve been building an example democracy for the past 60 years, that is highly valued internationally. We attach great importance to other countries, especially friendly nations, not questioning this.”

Despite the row, Altmaier said he was not worried for the future of the EU-Turkey migration deal, which was struck one year ago to stop the migrant influx into Europe.

“The cooperation is important for Turkey too. We make sure that the refugees are staying in the area, Turkey on its own can’t deal with this," he said.