Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a clear message in favor of dialogue and the continuation of Greek-Turkish rapprochement in statements made to A Haber broadcast coordinator Orhan Sali, on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara. The Greek Prime Minister stressed that the only difference between the two countries concerns the delimitation of maritime zones, which, he emphasized, must be resolved on the basis of international law. Speaking to A Haber, Mitsotakis noted that Greek-Turkish relations have improved in recent years and expressed his intention to maintain the positive momentum that has developed with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “I have always been a supporter of a constructive, functional, and productive relationship between our countries, which was also the spirit of the Athens Declaration. We have made progress, especially in managing the migration issue, while cross-border trade has grown. Many visitors come from Turkey to the Eastern Aegean islands through the visa express program.”
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Mitsotakis: Our only dispute with Turkey is over maritime zones
Referring to Greek-Turkish differences, the Prime Minister reiterated that the only outstanding issue concerns the delimitation of maritime zones, emphasizing that its resolution must take place in accordance with international law and the Law of the Sea. “As I made very clear during my previous visit to Ankara, our only difference is the delimitation of maritime zones in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.” “We need to resolve this long-standing problem within the framework of international law and in accordance with the Law of the Sea.”
“Despite our differences, we can live together peacefully”
Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that even if the maritime zones dispute is not resolved immediately, this should not prevent the two countries from cooperating in other areas, and declared his determination to continue working with the Turkish president. “We will continue to work toward a productive relationship with President Erdoğan.” “Even if we cannot resolve this problem that has persisted since the 1970s, that does not mean we cannot live together peacefully and work together on the rest of the agenda.” According to A Haber, the Greek Prime Minister also noted that certain decisions made by the Turkish parliament in the 1990s have no place in today’s world.
Praise for Turkish hospitality and the NATO summit
Praising Turkey’s hospitality, Mitsotakis stated: “Turkey organized an outstanding NATO summit here. I am always very pleased by Turkish hospitality.” Emphasizing his belief in people-centered relations, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
