Following the meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdogan

On Sunday, March 13, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The parties decided to focus on a positive agenda in order to improve bilateral relations.

Citing the Turkish Communications Authority, the Athens News Agency and Anadolu reported that, in addition to bilateral relations, some global and regional developments were discussed, including geopolitical issues and the consequences of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

During the meeting, according to the Turkish News Agency, both leaders stressed the responsibility of their states in the security architecture of Europe, which is changing in connection with the Russian attack on Ukraine. The meeting also discussed the undoubted benefits of strengthening mutual cooperation between the two countries, writes newsbeast.gr. Mitsotakis and Erdogan agreed to improve bilateral relations and keep communication channels open. They also paid attention to trade issues, discussing what steps should be taken to increase its volume to $10 billion.

Joint lunchhosted by the Turkish president in the Vahdetin mansion in Istanbul, lasted about an hour and a half. Before starting the meal, Erdogan greeted the Greek Prime Minister and showed him a view of the Bosphorus. Mr. Mitsotakis said: “Given everything that is happening, we have something to discuss about our region”, to which the Turkish President replied: “We will discuss everything.” Erdogan noted that he is quite pleased with the results, but “there are still some inconsistencies.”

Erdogan, confirming Turkey’s steps to open a new page in bilateral relations, told the Greek prime minister that he believes in progress on issues related to the Aegean, the fight against terrorism and illegal migration. He noted that all problems can be solved through honest and sincere dialogue, and both neighboring countries should maintain dialogue at all times, and not just during times of crisis.

Former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, commenting on Sunday’s meeting, said it would melt the ice in Greek-Turkish relations:

“The meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Recep Tayyip Erdogan was very correct. Greek-Turkish relations can return to the good climate they were in before. We must create an environment of stability for our country. We must not go on the warpath. Initiatives taken by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, already in this direction. And I think that the meeting can melt the ice in the Greek-Turkish relations, and the dialogue can be continued. After all, this is the only way to solve various bilateral problems.”

Dimitris Avramopoulos also noted that Greece and Turkey, as NATO allies, can now start discussions to find common ground to overcome the consequences of the Ukrainian crisis at the regional level and create an environment of stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, writes edition.

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