Published September 05,2023
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“Ankara and Athens hold differing viewpoints in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Following discussions with Gerapetritis on the long-standing disputes between their nations, Fidan conveyed the necessity for both sides to introduce fresh approaches to address these issues,” Fidan confused in his remarks throughout a press convention.
This assembly transpired in a extra amicable ambiance, partly attributed to Greece’s provision of support to Türkiye after two devastating earthquakes and Türkiye’s expression of condolences following a deadly practice accident in Greece earlier this yr. This constructive tone adopted an uncommon encounter between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Vilnius in July, which was lauded as a big milestone by each nations.
Gerapetritis additionally confirmed that Mitsotakis and Erdoğan are scheduled to satisfy through the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Sept. 18. “We have reached an agreement to engage in dialogue with Greece without imposing any preconditions,” Fidan stated in a press release whereas underlining Türkiye’s readiness to foster relations “based on shared interests across all sectors.”
According to Gerapetritis, the neighbouring nations anticipate internet hosting a high-level cooperation council assembly in Thessaloniki earlier than the tip of the yr, marking the primary such assembly in seven years. “Commencing talks promptly is the most crucial step, and confidence-building measures and discussions between Türkiye and Greece will commence shortly,” Gerapetritis identified.
The roadmap mentioned by the 2 events consists of three phases, with the preliminary part involving political discussions overseen by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulos.
Topics addressed by Papadopoulos and Fidan encompassed longstanding disputes such because the Cyprus problem, Türkiye’s stalled EU accession course of, and irregular migration. They additionally mentioned the institution of a “positive agenda” framework to boost financial and industrial cooperation, in addition to growth into areas resembling transportation, maritime actions, business collaboration, expertise, environmental safety, and catastrophe administration.
Regarding the difficulty of unlawful migration, which poses challenges to each nations as a gateway to Europe for quite a few asylum-seekers from the broader Middle East and Asia, Fidan reiterated the necessity for “cooperation rather than competition in addressing this matter.” Greece has typically confronted criticism, notably from Ankara, for its observe of repelling asylum-seekers, a stance Athens denies regardless of counterclaims from alleged victims, human rights organizations, Turkish drones, and even the UN’s particular rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.
Fidan additionally talked about the scenario of the Turkish minority in Greece, numbering 150,000 and residing within the Western Thrace area. He acknowledged, “Türkiye has implemented numerous positive measures for minorities living here. We anticipate a similar approach for our fellow Turks abroad,” alluding to the erosion of rights of Turks in Western Thrace, the place Greece has closed the group’s faculties and mosques, prohibited using “Turk” or “Turkish,” and denied the group the flexibility to legally elect their non secular leaders. Fidan added, “Preserving our cultural heritage in Greece is of utmost importance to us, and we are willing to collaborate on the restoration of Ottoman works in Greece,” expressing Türkiye’s readiness to cooperate on this matter.
Furthermore, Fidan reiterated Ankara’s expectations from the European Union. In response, Gerapetritis acknowledged, “Greece has long supported Ankara’s aspirations to join the EU.”
Türkiye and Greece have regularly clashed on a number of fronts, together with competing claims within the Eastern Mediterranean, overlapping assertions over continental cabinets, maritime boundaries, airspace, vitality assets, the ethnically divided island of Cyprus, the standing of Aegean Sea islands, and the difficulty of migrants. Tensions escalated in 2020 as a result of disputes over exploratory drilling rights in areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the place Greece and Greek Cyprus assert unique financial zones, resulting in a naval standoff.
Despite Athens’ assertion that it has no intention of partaking in an arms race with Ankara, it has launched into an formidable army buildup program, establishing a army presence on the disputed Aegean islands for the reason that Sixties, in contravention of post-war treaties, and strengthening its protection cooperation with the United States. The acquisition of fighter jets from the U.S. and elevated protection budgets are geared toward safeguarding Greek pursuits within the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece contends that it should defend the islands towards a possible Türkiye’s assault, whereas Turkish officers have cautioned towards such strikes, as an alternative advocating for dialogue to resolve these disputes.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
