Greece and the United States are entering a new era of cooperation, with a focus…
Tag: diplomatic relations
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew meets Trump in historic White House encounter, discussing Christian challenges in Turkey and more. Explore insights from this September 15, 2025, meeting.
Tensions are rising between Greece and Turkey following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ announcement of new marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice. Turkey, wary of Greece’s environmental initiative, sees it as a veiled geopolitical move. *Hürriyet* reports Ankara’s concerns that Athens is exploiting ecological agendas to assert control over disputed waters, despite fragile efforts to mend bilateral ties. As Turkey counters with its own maritime conservation plans, the Aegean risks becoming a new battleground for “green” diplomacy.
Greece has extended a visa program for Turkish nationals by one year, allowing visits to 12 Aegean Sea islands for up to seven days. Initially launched in December 2023, the policy, now running until April 2026, has issued over 100,000 visas since March 2024, fostering ties between the NATO allies and historic rivals amid ongoing efforts to ease tensions.
The Greek government is set to resume surveys in April for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a subsea electricity cable linking Greece and Cyprus, despite technical delays and Turkish opposition. The project aims to enhance energy security and integrate renewable energy in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Greece asserting its rights in international waters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Konstantinos Tasoulas on assuming the Greek presidency, emphasizing the deep historical ties and strategic partnership between China and Greece. He highlighted ongoing cooperation in key projects, including the Piraeus Port and cultural initiatives, and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and global stability.
Speaking at an iftar dinner with foreign ambassadors in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. He expressed support for preserving the positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations through mutual steps.
Amidst the iconic skyline of Athens, Greece celebrated Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, marking a significant step in strengthening tourism and cultural ties with Japan. This event symbolizes the ongoing enhancement of the nations’ relationship, following a year dedicated to fostering diplomatic and cultural exchanges. Efforts continue to boost investment, air travel, and sustainable tourism opportunities.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the Turkey-Greece High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) will meet in Ankara this April. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are set to attend, with both countries emphasizing their commitment to resolving issues through dialogue. Fidan highlighted the importance of regular updates from the heads of state and acknowledged the sensitivity of Greece’s internal political system in the ongoing discussions.
Greece strongly supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) despite delays caused by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stated. He emphasized that the initiative, aimed at fostering peace and prosperity, remains a priority for Greece, India, and their partners. During his visit to India for Foreign Office Consultations, Gerapetritis also discussed strengthening bilateral trade, boosting connectivity through direct flights, and addressing migration challenges through a proposed agreement between the two nations. He expressed optimism about resolving regional conflicts and enhancing economic cooperation.
The meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in…
Journalist Ibrahim Rayhan has reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Lebanon for the inauguration of the new U.S. Embassy. If true, this visit would mark the first time a U.S. president, past or present, has visited Lebanon, highlighting the importance of the new 43-acre diplomatic complex in Awkar.
Greece and Cyprus are on high alert amid reports that Turkey is negotiating a maritime boundary agreement with Syria, raising concerns about a renewed push by Ankara to claim disputed areas of the Eastern Mediterranean. This potential deal, viewed as a violation of international law by Greece and Cyprus, echoes Turkey’s past attempts to assert control over the region’s resources and maritime boundaries, threatening regional stability.
On December 5, Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visited Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia as part of their first official trip to Türkiye. The visit commemorated the centennial of diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing the enduring cultural significance of the historic site.
In a move sparking significant debate, Greece has revised its plans for marine parks in the Aegean Sea in response to Turkish pressure. The adjustments precede a pivotal meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Critics argue this change signals a retreat from defending Greece’s sovereign rights, as new plans limit marine parks strictly to territorial waters.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, arrived in Athens on Friday for talks with Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis, aimed at easing tensions between the two NATO members. The meeting comes as part of a broader diplomatic effort to improve relations, following a series of high-level discussions between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Officials are expected to address issues such as rising illegal migration and explore ways to enhance regional stability, setting the stage for a high-level Greece-Turkey cooperation council in 2025.
The Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes recently hosted the opening of the exhibition “From the Ioannites to the Knights of Malta,” inaugurated by Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap and Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. This historic event marked the first official visit of a Grand Master to Greece in 500 years and celebrates the significant role of the Knights in Rhodes over the past two centuries. The exhibition, featuring advanced audiovisual technology, highlights the history and contributions of the Sovereign Military Hospital Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta. Mendoni emphasised the importance of this partnership, especially in light of current regional challenges.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the urgent need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the inaugural EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Brussels. As tensions in the Middle East escalate, Mitsotakis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a humanitarian disaster and warned against the risk of broader military conflict.
A former Labour frontbencher, Thangam Debbonaire, has condemned the ‘theft’ of the Parthenon sculptures, asserting that Keir Starmer is committed to resolving the long-standing dispute with Greece. In an interview, she emphasized that the iconic sculptures do not belong in the British Museum and expressed confidence that they would be returned in her lifetime. The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader effort to improve UK-Greece relations amidst a contentious historical backdrop.
The Reuters news agency has reported that Greece and Turkey may be on the path…
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hinted at increasing military support for Palestinians through aid and smuggling, rather than direct military action against Israel, according to Dr. Alon Liel, a former Israeli ambassador to Turkey. Dr. Liel emphasized that Erdogan’s threats should be taken seriously, as he has a history of following through on such promises. However, Dr. Liel also noted that a direct Turkish military invasion of Israel is unlikely.
The Greek Ministry of National Defense responded firmly to Turkey’s recent claims about maritime jurisdiction, stating that no “respect” will be shown towards Turkey’s illegal actions in the Greece-Egypt EEZ. This follows reports involving the Italian research vessel “Ievoli Relume,” which Turkey claimed was warned and escorted out of its jurisdiction. The Greek Ministry clarified that the vessel operated solely within the Greek EEZ, and diplomatic channels helped prevent a potential escalation between Greece and Turkey.
Greece expressed strong disapproval Tuesday over Albanian President Bajram Begaj’s attendance at an event commemorating members of the Cham community, who were expelled from Greece’s western Epirus region between 1944 and 1945. Athens characterized Begaj’s presence at the memorial, honoring those allegedly killed during the expulsion, as promoting irredentism and perpetuating historically inaccurate claims
Greek Ambassador Stavros Venizelos presented his credentials to New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, emphasizing strong bilateral relations and thanking Honorary Consul George Neonakis for supporting the Greek community in New Zealand.
During the official visit of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, to Athens,…
According to the most popular Italian travel website My Greek Salad https://www.mygreeksalad.it/astypalea-naxos-skopelos-quale-scegliere-19-04-2024/, which specializes in…
The ongoing dialogue between Greece and Turkey regarding Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) remains a crucial…
In a surprising turn of events, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s highly anticipated visit to…
Greece escalates pressure on Albanian judge ahead of verdict on minority-elected mayor from Himara The…
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has welcomed the US State Department’s decision to approve the sale…
