Greek and Turkish Leaders to Convene for Crucial Talks at NATO Summit, Paving the Way for Bilateral Relations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan are set to hold a crucial meeting on the sidelines of an upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. The meeting, scheduled for next month, addresses long-standing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Following his decisive victory in the national election, Mitsotakis was sworn in for a second term as prime minister. Shortly after the election, Erdogan personally congratulated Mitsotakis during a phone call, as announced by the Turkish Presidency on Monday. Erdogan expressed his belief that the re-election of both leaders presents an opportunity to improve bilateral relations and foster cooperation between the two nations.

Greece and Turkey, despite their shared NATO membership, have a complex history and have been engaged in disputes spanning several decades. Contentious issues such as airspace sovereignty, maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean, the handling of migration, and the unresolved division of Cyprus have contributed to the strained relationship between the two countries.

The forthcoming meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdogan holds significant importance as an opportunity to address these longstanding issues and explore avenues for constructive dialogue and collaboration. Both leaders will have a chance to engage in constructive discussions to find mutually beneficial solutions and promote stability and cooperation in the region.