Greece and Turkey Vow to Work on Improving Relations
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have pledged to enhance bilateral ties and foster cooperation between their countries. Erdogan, during a media appearance in Athens, expressed his commitment to transforming the Aegean Sea into a zone of peace and collaboration. In recent years, the relationship between Greece and Turkey has been strained due to disagreements over issues such as migration, energy exploration in the Aegean, and territorial sovereignty.
However, both leaders emphasized their desire to build on the positive momentum and improve the overall state of affairs between the two nations. The visit marked Erdogan’s first trip to Athens since 2017, and it provided an opportunity for dialogue and the fostering of mutual understanding.
Historically, tensions between Greece and Turkey have been fueled by territorial disputes and conflicting claims over the Aegean. The presence of hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean has further complicated matters, with Ankara signing a controversial maritime zone agreement with Libya in 2019, which drew the ire of Athens.
The strained relationship prompted Mitsotakis to announce a military buildup and establish defense agreements with France and the United States. However, the situation began to ease when Greece extended assistance to Turkey in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake last year, demonstrating goodwill and offering a basis for improved relations.
During their meeting, Mitsotakis admitted that relations had been dangerously threatened in the past but acknowledged that they were now on a calmer path. The two leaders agreed to a roadmap for political dialogue, cooperation across various fields, and steps to build trust. They also signed a non-binding declaration of friendship, aiming to double bilateral trade to $10 billion and reduce military tensions.
Reflecting on the significance of their neighboring countries’ shared cultural heritage, Erdogan highlighted the natural differences of opinion that can arise between neighbors. Mitsotakis stressed that the only dispute that could be resolved through international arbitration was regarding the delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones.
In an effort to promote people-to-people exchanges, Greece agreed with the European Union to grant Turkish citizens seven-day visas to visit nearly a dozen Aegean islands. This move aims to strengthen cultural ties, foster understanding, and facilitate tourism between the two nations.
The meeting also saw the reopening of the high cooperation council, a bilateral body that had not convened since 2016. Both leaders expressed their commitment to maintaining regular meetings to ensure continuous dialogue and progress.
By committing to refraining from aggressive statements and taking measures to reduce military tensions, Greece and Turkey aim to build a peaceful and cooperative relationship. While challenges remain, the renewed spirit of cooperation and dialogue marks a significant step forward in improving bilateral relations between the two countries.
