Ankara is prepared to resume dialogue with neighboring Greece “without preconditions,” announced Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis in Ankara, Fidan said, “We are open to continuing dialogue with Greece, aiming to develop relations in all sectors based on common interests.” He emphasized that differences could be resolved “within the framework of international law, respecting mutual rights and interests.”
Fidan acknowledged existing disagreements between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions but said both sides were open to “innovative approaches to problem-solving.”
Turkey has entered a “new, positive era” in its relations with Greece, Fidan added.
Gerapetritis, reciprocating the sentiment, said talks and confidence-building measures between Turkey and Greece would commence soon. Gerapetritis, who is on a one-day working visit to Ankara, revealed that a high-level cooperation council meeting is expected to occur before the end of 2023, marking the first in seven years.
Despite improvements in 2021, the relationship between Turkey and Greece has been tense for decades for various reasons. Turkey, a NATO member for over 70 years, has expressed frustration at what it perceives as provocative actions by Greece, including the militarization of islands near Turkish territory, which are supposed to be demilitarized under existing treaties.
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