Feverish Preparations in Athens and Ankara Ahead of Mitsotakis–Erdogan Meeting in New York

Greece and Turkey are finalizing preparations for a high-stakes meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, set to take place on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 23 to 29.

The talks come amid ongoing disputes, shifting geopolitical conditions, and efforts by both sides to pursue dialogue while defending key national positions.

Palestinian Recognition Tensions

One of the main points of friction is the expected recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries, including France and the UK. Turkey has long supported and formally recognised Palestine, while Greece—despite backing a two-state solution—will not take that step in September due to its close ties with Israel. Diplomatic officials warn that this difference may affect the meeting’s tone.

Greek Priorities on the Table

Athens will raise two key demands:

• Turkey’s withdrawal of its casus belli threat if Greece extends territorial waters.
• Abandonment of the “grey zones” doctrine in the Aegean.

Mitsotakis has linked these demands to Turkey’s EU prospects and access to programs such as the SAFE initiative. Ankara has described the casus belli withdrawal as “excessive.”

Turkey’s recent marine park maps notably omit disputed “grey zones,” a move analysts see as possible tactical moderation while Ankara seeks US F-35 jets and EU funding.

Stalled Cooperation Council

The 6th Greece–Turkey Supreme Council for Cooperation has been postponed repeatedly since January. A new date in New York would indicate a willingness to sustain high-level dialogue.

Regional Flashpoints

Greece is concerned about Turkey’s expanding role in Libya, as highlighted by a recent meeting in Ankara with Italy and Libya, and its implications for the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Athens has also objected to Turkey’s marine park proposals, which extend into international waters between Lemnos and Samothrace, effectively splitting the Aegean.

The possible revival of the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection project could also trigger a reaction from Ankara.

Turkish Military Shake-Up

Erdogan has replaced the Chief of the General Staff with the Chief of the Land Forces, while extending the terms of the chiefs of the navy and air force. Analysts see the move as part of a broader effort to strengthen Turkey’s military posture while engaging in international negotiations.

The Mitsotakis–Erdogan meeting will take place against this backdrop of unresolved disputes, regional competition, and fragile diplomatic engagement. Whether it leads to concrete progress or entrenches divisions remains uncertain.

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