Greece hails rapprochement with Türkiye

ATHENS

Greece has highlighted the tangible positive outcomes of the rapprochement with Türkiye.

Speaking at an international forum on sustainable peace in Athens, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said, “I want to emphasize that being able to talk with our neighbors serves the country’s interests.”

Recognizing some major differences between Türkiye and Greece, he added, “We are aware that we will not agree on everything. Yet, better bilateral relations would allow us to create a channel of dialogue and diplomacy to discuss our problems and de-escalate tensions that we owe to the next generations.

“And this is what we do, step by step, without having any exaggerated claims.”

Drawing attention to the presence of a good positive agenda between the two countries, which Gerapetritis explained in many fields, including improved cooperation in addressing the problem of irregular migration and an increase in the number of Turkish tourists visiting certain Greek islands thanks to the special visa regime introduced by the Greek government.

About the Western Balkans, he argued that Greece supports the region’s integration into the EU but warned that “this road is not without conditions.”

"In particular, it requires full integration of the European acquis, full respect for the values of the rule of law and democracy and full compliance with International Law."

Recent positive gestures from both sides signal a departure from longstanding tensions rooted in territorial disputes, differences in maritime boundaries and divergent political ideologies.

The thaw in relations gained momentum following Greece's swift response to last year's devastating earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye, where they sent rescue teams and aid. The solidarity deepened after a tragic train crash in northern Greece, with Ankara expressing condolences and providing assistance.

Recently, Türkiye and Greece jointly nominated candidates for two positions within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).