In a bid to put aside decades-old disputes, the leaders of Greece and Turkey met for talks in Ankara, but revealed deep divisions over the Israel-Hamas war. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan disagreed with the characterization of Hamas as a terrorist organization by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, instead seeing them as a group protecting their own land. The meeting marked the fourth time the leaders have met in the past year, with a focus on strengthening normalization processes.
Turkey and Greece, both NATO members, have a history of conflict over territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and drilling rights in the Mediterranean. However, they agreed in December to set aside these disputes and focus on areas of agreement, such as trade, energy, education, and cultural ties. Efforts to mend fences have included initiatives like allowing Turkish citizens to visit 10 Greek islands without cumbersome visa procedures, contributing to improved relations between the two countries.
Despite ongoing tensions, both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of dialogue and focusing on the positive agenda to increase trade volumes and strengthen bilateral ties. Erdogan highlighted the Turkish-Muslim minority in Greece’s Thrace region as a “friendship bridge” between the two communities. While minor disputes continue, such as disagreements over the use of former religious sites and the declaration of marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, the overall relationship has improved compared to previous years.
Turkey and Greece are also at odds over the divided island of Cyprus, with Turkey rejecting a reunification agreement and proposing a two-state solution with the Turkish Cypriot administration. Despite these challenges, Erdogan and Mitsotakis are keen to prevent further instability in the Mediterranean, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Efforts to reengage with Western countries, following Erdogan’s election victory last year, have also contributed to the recent thaw in relations between the two countries.
Looking ahead, both leaders are committed to maintaining a climate of dialogue and cooperation, with a focus on areas of mutual interest and benefit. The meeting in Ankara was an opportunity to review progress in bilateral relations and reaffirm the commitment to continue the dialogue. Despite their differences over the Israel-Hamas conflict and ongoing disputes, Erdogan and Mitsotakis recognize the importance of stability in the region and the potential for positive outcomes through continued engagement and cooperation.
