The meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara aimed to boost relations between the two Aegean neighbors. While the leaders of Greece and Türkiye were able to emphasize their efforts to set aside longstanding disputes, they also revealed deep divisions over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Erdogan’s comments on Hamas, which he described as a resistance organization rather than a terrorist group, highlighted the differences between the two countries. The leaders discussed areas of cooperation such as trade, energy, education, and cultural ties during the meeting, with an emphasis on promoting positive dialogue and finding consensus.
Despite decades of tensions and near-war experiences, Türkiye and Greece have worked on a normalization process in recent years. The two NATO members have been at odds over territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and drilling rights in the Mediterranean but have agreed to focus on areas of mutual interest. The positive agenda that emerged from a summit in Athens includes initiatives such as facilitating Turkish citizens’ visits to Greek islands without cumbersome visa procedures. Both leaders highlighted the importance of the normalization process in building bridges between the two countries and communities, emphasizing the benefits for both Türkiye and Greece.
While occasional disputes like the conversion of a former Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul into a mosque and the Greek plan for marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas continue to arise, they are minor compared to past confrontations over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. The recent thaw in relations was partly influenced by Greek solidarity after a devastating earthquake in southern Turkey, as well as Erdogan’s efforts to reengage with Western countries following a recent election victory. The leaders are committed to maintaining open channels of dialogue and focusing on areas of cooperation to prevent further instability in the Mediterranean region.
The meeting in Ankara marked the fourth time the leaders of Türkiye and Greece have met in the past year to strengthen their relationship and promote a normalization process. Despite disagreements over the Israel-Hamas conflict and other issues, Erdogan and Mitsotakis emphasized the value of dialogue and cooperation in the region. The focus on trade, energy, education, and cultural ties reflects a shift towards positive engagement and away from past conflicts. By setting aside longstanding disputes and seeking common ground, Türkiye and Greece are working towards a more stable relationship that benefits both countries and the broader region.
The leaders’ efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation are crucial as geopolitical tensions in the Mediterranean continue to escalate. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has added another layer of complexity to the region, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability and preventing further instability. Erdogan and Mitsotakis recognize the need to work together to address common challenges and promote peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean. By prioritizing a positive agenda and seeking areas of consensus, Türkiye and Greece are paving the way for a more constructive and mutually beneficial relationship that can withstand future challenges and conflicts.
