The upcoming meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdogan at the 80th UN General Assembly in September is shaping up to be one of the most critical diplomatic events of the autumn. The two leaders arrive in New York with clear strategies and conflicting positions that are expected to dominate their negotiations.
The Palestinian issue weighs down the atmosphere
A central obstacle in Greek-Turkish relations emerges from the different approaches of the two countries to the Palestinian issue. During the Assembly (September 23-29), many countries led by France are planning to recognize the Palestinian state.
The strategic alliance between Greece and Israel conflicts with Turkey’s hostile stance toward Israel. While Ankara has already recognized Palestine, Athens maintains a cautious position despite statements in favor of recognition.
Mitsotakis’s key demands
The Greek Prime Minister has set, according to the newspaper “Ta Nea,” two central priorities for the meeting with Erdogan:
- The withdrawal of the casus belli by the Turkish side
- The termination of the gray zones theory in the Aegean
Mitsotakis has directly linked these demands to Turkey’s ability to utilize European resources through the SAFE program. The Turkish response so far has been limited to press leaks characterizing the demands as scandalous.
New developments in marine parks
The Turkish strategy regarding gray zones presents particular interest. In the recent map published by Ankara for marine parks, the well-known gray zones of the Blue Homeland are not included. Analysts interpret this choice as Turkey’s attempt to appear more restrained, in view of its claims for F-35s and resources from SAFE.
Nevertheless, the Turkish map includes illegal exclusion of Kastellorizo and park placement in international waters between Lemnos and Samothrace.
The Libyan equation and military changes
The Libya issue remains a significant obstacle in the relations between the two countries. After the recent Italy-Turkey-Libya Trilateral meeting in Constantinople, Erdogan has clarified that he plans to strengthen Turkey’s presence in Libyan internal affairs.
Meanwhile, the Turkish president proceeded with significant changes in the leadership of the armed forces. He appointed Selcuk Bayraktaroglu as the new Chief of General Staff, while Metin Tokel becomes the new army chief.
Expectations for the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council
A critical issue expected to be discussed between Mitsotakis and Erdogan is setting a date for the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara. The event has been systematically postponed since last autumn with different justifications each time.
Additionally, if the electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus proceeds by September and more details about the Greek marine park in the Dodecanese are revealed, the atmosphere of the meeting is expected to become even more tense.
