In a recent interview with Fox News, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, discussed Greece’s approach to regional stability and international relations, focusing on the situation in Syria, relations with Turkey, diversification of international partnerships, and strengthening ties with the US. He emphasized the need for inclusive institutions in Syria, adherence to international law in resolving maritime disputes with Turkey, and the strategic importance of new corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor.
Tag: Greece-Turkey relations
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.
In a recent development that has escalated tensions between Turkey and Greece, Turkish media outlets have accused Greece of militarizing the Aegean islands, which were granted to Greece under specific conditions. The accusations come amid ongoing disputes over territorial and maritime rights in the region.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call to discuss international and regional developments, as well as preparations for the upcoming Greece-Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias commemorated the four-year anniversary of Greece’s decision to expand its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, emphasizing that the move was based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Dendias also highlighted Greece’s commitment to international law, contrasting it with Turkey’s refusal to adhere to UNCLOS in the Aegean.
Greece has won a significant legal victory against Turkey at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), successfully challenging the “Turkaegean” trademark. The ruling prevents Turkey from using the term for tourism promotion within the EU.
In a recent interview with SKAI TV, Deputy Defence Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis outlined Greece’s plans for an anti-aircraft dome designed to act as a deterrent system, covering the entire region from Evros to Kastellorizo against air and sea threats. He emphasized Greece’s non-aggressive stance and addressed regional tensions, notably clarifying misconceptions regarding Greece’s intentions. Kefalogiannis also commented on the implications of potential agreements between neighboring countries and reinforced Greece’s commitment to international law and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
On Thursday afternoon, a Turkish ATR-2 aircraft entered Greek airspace over the Aegean Sea. According…
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed skepticism about the potential for progress in Greece-Turkey disputes over the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. Addressing criticisms, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s firm stance and criticized attempts to portray his administration as less patriotic. He highlighted recent developments in Greek-Turkish relations and urged caution in interpreting Turkey’s regional influence. Additionally, he defended Europe’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for collective security in response to shifting dynamics.
The express visa program for Turkish citizens visiting ten Eastern Aegean islands has issued over 104,000 visas, indicating a cooperative effort between Greece and Turkey. Lesbos leads as the top destination with 27,614 visas, while Kalymnos remains the least favored with only 102 visas granted. The initiative aims to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations.
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.
Ahead of a critical meeting between US President Joe Biden and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, US Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien will host a meeting with the Greek and Turkish ambassadors at the State Department. This diplomatic engagement, set for Wednesday, will involve Greece’s Ambassador Ekaterini Nassika and her Turkish counterpart, Sedat Onal. While the official agenda includes discussions on Greece and Turkey’s joint candidacy for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), it is widely speculated that the talks will also address the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations. This meeting is particularly timely as it precedes the upcoming talks between Greece’s Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Athens.
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis notes that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip…
Two Turkish nationals have been detained pending trial for alleged involvement in a deadly migrant boat incident near the Greek island of Symi. The suspects face charges of people smuggling after a boat chase with the Greek coastguard resulted in the death of a 39-year-old man. The coastguard officer who fired the fatal shots is also under investigation for involuntary manslaughter.
Tensions with Ankara have resurfaced after Ankara’s objections to Greece’s announcement to designate marine parks,…