Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis shakes hands with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a press conference at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece, December 7, 2023. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
In a groundbreaking development, Greece and Turkey have forged a path towards revitalizing their relations, laying the groundwork for a new era of camaraderie between the NATO allies and erstwhile historical adversaries.
In a momentous visit by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to Greece, the perennially feuding nations pledged to prioritize amicable neighborly ties. They committed to maintaining open lines of communication, engaging in military confidence-building measures to mitigate sources of tension, fostering increased trade, and addressing longstanding disputes, particularly in the Aegean Sea.
Reflecting on the renewed commitment, Erdogan remarked, “There is no issue between us that is unsolvable. So long as we focus on the big picture and don’t end up being like those who cross the sea and drown in the river.” He expressed a collective desire to transform the Aegean into a sea of peace, aiming to set an example for the global community through collaborative efforts between Turkey and Greece.
Following years of verbal sparring, the summit on Thursday marked an unprecedented display of warmth between the two nations, a stark departure from Erdogan’s previous visit in 2017, where historical grievances were aired, reaching back to the waning days of the Ottoman Empire over a century ago.
The meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdogan exceeded expectations, with Mitsotakis addressing Erdogan as “Dear Tayyip.” Erdogan reciprocated, expressing his anticipation of hosting Mitsotakis in Ankara. The NATO allies aspire to double their bilateral trade volume from $5 billion to $10 billion, with both leaders endorsing high-level annual meetings to foster collaboration.
Acknowledging the historical and geographical ties binding the nations, Mitsotakis emphasized a “historical responsibility” to bring the two states closer together. While longstanding disputes persist, including differences over continental shelf boundaries, energy resources, flights in the Aegean Sea, and the divided island of Cyprus, both nations are eager to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation.
Turkey’s pursuit of EU membership and efforts to reengage with Western partners aligns with Erdogan’s commitment to improving relations. Greece, recovering from a recent economic crisis, seeks to assert itself as a stabilizing force in the eastern Mediterranean amid geopolitical shifts triggered by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
In a symbolic gesture, Greece reinstated an automatic visa system for Turkish nationals to visit ten of its islands. Mitsotakis hinted at ongoing discussions, suggesting that a resolution on continental shelf demarcation and related economic zones could be on the horizon.
Erdogan urged a focus on the positive aspects of their relationship, proposing a “glass half-full perspective” for the future. The recent thaw in relations, reminiscent of past diplomatic breakthroughs, underscores the potential for collaborative efforts to overcome historical animosities and forge a new chapter in Greco-Turkish relations.
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