Against a backdrop of low expectations and renewed Turkish provocations, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will cross the threshold of the “White Palace” on Wednesday for a crucial summit meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Read also: Turkish provocations before Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting: Fidan accuses Dendias of “undermining Greece-Turkey efforts” (Video)
Despite attempts to maintain a “positive agenda” climate, Turkey continues to remind of its longstanding demands, undermining the atmosphere just hours before the two leaders’ tête-à-tête.
Mitsotakis & Erdogan meeting: What to expect amid provocations and economic agenda
The Turkish side chose to maintain tension by issuing a counter-NAVTEX for an area east of the 25th meridian, responding to a Greek directive for military exercises in the Eastern Aegean. The provocative baton was taken by AKP ruling party spokesperson Ömer Çelik, who urgently brought up the issue of island demilitarization. Çelik did not hesitate to target Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, speaking of “extreme statements” that produce negative results, making it clear that Ankara will attempt to impose a broader and comprehensive agenda.
Facing this scenario, Kyriakos Mitsotakis approaches the meeting with clear objectives: establishing open communication channels and crisis prevention. The Greek side communicates in all tones that the only difference to be delineated remains the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rejecting any discussion affecting sovereign rights. However, the absence of Nikos Dendias from the High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) has caused a sensation in neighboring Turkey, a fact that was extensively commented on by Turkish analysts.
Economic diplomacy takes priority
The crucial meeting is scheduled for 15:00 (Turkey time), with the two leaders expected to make joint press statements around 17:30-18:00. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, who will have parallel talks with Hakan Fidan, as well as Deputy Minister Charis Theocharis. Notable is the absence of Deputy Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou due to health reasons.
While national issues remain the “thorn,” economic diplomacy emerges as a priority. Indicative is Monday’s “Hürriyet” newspaper report stating that “Turkey and Greece are intensifying efforts to expand cooperation in multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on increasing bilateral trade volume to $10 billion” and emphasizing that “the two neighboring countries are pursuing a ‘positive agenda’ initiative designed to accelerate cooperation in sectors such as health, environment, culture, tourism, and economy. This framework is expected to gain further momentum through mutual visits and new agreements.”
Despite low-flying expectations for major geopolitical issues, tomorrow’s meeting in Ankara is considered a barometer for maintaining regional calm and promoting cooperation that, although “low politics,” is deemed essential for bilateral relations stability.
