Kyriakos Mitsotakis clarified Greek positions ahead of the expected meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, scheduled for the first ten days of February in Ankara. The Prime Minister, through his recent statements on Alpha TV and to Nikos Manesis on Saturday, as well as in the Sunday review, clearly outlined the agenda he will bring to the negotiating table.
The only pending issue in Greek-Turkish relations
For the Greek side, there is exclusively one issue to resolve: the delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, as Spyros Karalis reports in “Apogeumatini”. Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that any progress requires the withdrawal of Turkish war threats, including the casus belli that remains in effect. Responding to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s statements about a permanent solution in the Aegean, the Prime Minister noted: “Everyone maintains a different perspective regarding what needs resolution. Greece consistently approaches these dialogues emphasizing that the final solution concerns exclusively the issue of delimiting the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf“.
Prerequisites for constructive dialogue
Kyriakos Mitsotakis appeared measured in his expectations for the meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, clarifying that the appointment has not yet been finalized. However, under specific conditions, a framework for honest discussion is being formed. “Despite our disagreements with Turkey on critical issues, we don’t need to be constantly in a climate of tension. Open communication channels must be maintained“, the Prime Minister emphasized, while also stressing that Turkey must refrain from claims that are completely unfounded and impossible to be recognized by any Greek government.
Strengthening deterrent power with frigate Kimon
Kyriakos Mitsotakis made extensive reference to strengthening the country’s defense capability with the delivery of the first French Belharra frigate. He characterized the integration of “Kimon” into the Hellenic Navy as a historic milestone for national defense, describing the emotion he experienced on deck. The four frigates the country is acquiring will contribute decisively to strengthening deterrent capability, so that sovereignty is not questioned by anyone. “Greece operates as a pole of stability and reliability in the Eastern Mediterranean, seeking good neighborly relations, while simultaneously upgrading the Armed Forces in both equipment and human resources“, he stated. The Prime Minister emphasized that the first duty of any political leadership is to deliver a homeland safer than the one it inherited, adding that with the acquisition of the frigates, a significant step was taken in this direction.
The episode with the Albanian Prime Minister
Commenting on Edi Rama’s blunders regarding the relationship of modern Greeks with Aristotle and Plato, Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that sometimes statements slip out that he shouldn’t be making. “He said something crude and I think he understood it. He knows that Albania’s path to Europe passes through Greece. I keep the correction and consider it better to leave the inappropriate statement behind us”, the Prime Minister concluded.
