In a move toward fostering improved diplomatic ties, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, is slated to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara on September 5, as disclosed by an official announcement by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The two Ministers will discuss issues related to bilateral relations, as well as regional developments,” the announcement emphasized.
The groundwork for this diplomatic endeavor was laid during the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, this past July. During the summit, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concurred on the necessity of capitalizing on the positive strides made thus far and activating multiple channels of communication in the near future.
Highlighting their commitment, the leaders resolved to reanimate the dormant Greece-Turkey High-level Cooperation Council, scheduling its first meeting since 2016 to transpire in Thessaloniki during the autumn season. This strategic decision was accompanied by the directive for the foreign affairs ministers, Gerapetritis and Fidan, to steer the process and provide periodic updates on its progress to their respective superiors.
The path to this cooperative juncture has been marked by sporadic tensions between Greece and Turkey. However, the tides started shifting in February 2023 when Greece extended assistance to Turkey following a series of devastating earthquakes. This gesture of solidarity laid the groundwork for a more positive atmosphere, prompting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to express optimism regarding the prospect of enhanced bilateral relations.
Addressing an audience during the Assembly of Turkish Ambassadors on August 7, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to fostering positive relations with its regional peers, including Greece. Fidan expressed hope for reciprocal goodwill from the Greek side in light of the positive climate. Despite this optimism, Fidan reiterated Turkey’s steadfast stance on asserting international recognition for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the northern region of Cyprus that has been under Turkish control since 1974.
Recent events have brought certain differences to the forefront. A confrontation between the UN peacekeeping force and the occupied north’s efforts to construct a road in Cyprus’ buffer zone ignited international concern. While the incident was met with global condemnation, Turkish President Erdogan stood by the actions, emphasizing the ongoing complexities surrounding the Cyprus issue.
The forthcoming meeting between Greece and Turkey’s foreign ministers stands as a testament to the potential for diplomatic reconciliation in the region. While the journey to comprehensive understanding may be marked by obstacles, the shared commitment to discourse and cooperation signals a hopeful trajectory for these two nations once entangled in tensions.
