Greek and Turkish foreign ministers recently met in Athens to discuss improving relations between the historically contentious neighbors. They addressed various issues such as maritime disputes, territorial conflicts, energy resources, and migration. Despite ongoing disagreements, both ministers acknowledged progress in cooperation and expressed a commitment to identifying and addressing problems realistically. Discussions also touched on the future of Cyprus, with differing views on reunification as a federation or a two-state settlement.
In an effort to ease tensions, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have engaged in high-profile talks since 2023. The two countries, both NATO members, signed multiple cooperation agreements in December of that year, covering areas such as education, energy, technology, tourism, and trade. Bilateral trade between Greece and Turkey currently amounts to €5.8 billion, with aims to increase this to €10 billion within the next few years. President Erdoğan has expressed a desire to transform the Aegean into a “sea of peace and cooperation.”
Decades of disputes over maritime boundaries and resource exploration have led Greece and Turkey to the brink of war multiple times in the past. A recent standoff in 2020, where naval ships from both nations shadowed each other in the Mediterranean, highlighted the ongoing tensions. Analysts believe that improved relations between Greece and Turkey could help Turkey repair strained relationships with the EU and Western allies. A high-level cooperation council meeting is scheduled between the two countries for early 2025 to further enhance cooperation and dialogue.
During their recent meeting, the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers discussed the ongoing disagreements over demarcating maritime boundaries, particularly in the Aegean Sea. While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, they agreed to continue addressing it in future meetings. The situation on Cyprus, which remains ethnically partitioned, was also a topic of discussion, with Greek Cypriots advocating for reunification as a federation and Turkish Cypriots pushing for a two-state settlement. Turkey’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for a new approach, stating that a federation model was not viable.
Efforts to improve relations between Greece and Turkey have been ongoing, with a focus on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Both countries have expressed a commitment to resolving their differences through diplomatic channels and avoiding potential crises. The signing of cooperation agreements and the upcoming high-level cooperation council meeting demonstrate a willingness to work towards shared goals and enhance ties between the two nations. By addressing contentious issues such as maritime disputes and territorial conflicts, Greece and Turkey aim to build a foundation for lasting peace and cooperation in the region.
