Greece’s PM Mitsotakis defends current foreign policy with Türkiye amid criticism

The Conference on 50 Years of Greek Foreign Policy, organized by To Vima, the Delphi Economic Forum, and the Council on Foreign Relations, concluded with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defending his administration’s approach to Greek-Turkish relations.

The event featured heated debates and reflections on the country’s strategic direction.

Mitsotakis addresses criticism

In his speech, Mitsotakis rejected allegations of former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and opposition leaders that his government conducts covert negotiations with Türkiye.

He clarified that the sole topics on the table are the delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves.

“Our armed forces were once on high alert. There is no need for disagreements to escalate into tensions. We aim to avoid a repeat of the 2020 crisis,” Mitsotakis said, emphasizing the government’s focus on stability.

Samaras criticizes Greek government’s strategy

A day earlier, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras took the stage for his first public appearance since being expelled from New Democracy. Samaras criticized the government’s approach, claiming it lacked direction.

Η παρέμβαση στο συνέδριο που γίνεται σε συνεργασία με «Το Βήμα», το Συμβούλιο Διεθνών Σχέσεων και το Οικονομικό Φόρουμ των Δελφών με θέμα «Μεταπολίτευση 1974-2024: 50 Χρόνια Ελληνική Εξωτερική Πολιτική»https://t.co/nv3xXplQwm

— Σαμαράς Αντώνης (@samaras_antonis) December 12, 2024

“We have lost our compass, and this is not foreign policy,” Samaras declared. He likened current strategies to the Prespa Agreement but applied to the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. “This is a resignation from any real foreign policy,” he said.

Androulakis calls for realistic dialogue

Nikos Androulakis, leader of PASOK and now opposition leader, also criticized the government during the second day of the conference.

He accused Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis of setting “overly optimistic” expectations for bilateral talks with Türkiye.

“We need to engage with Türkiye without illusions,” Androulakis said, urging a strategic approach that takes regional realities seriously.

He warned of potential consequences in Syria: “If a Turkish-aligned ‘satellite regime’ emerges in Syria, it could lead to a new Turkish-Libyan pact, showing that time does not work in our favor.”

Heated exchanges between Gerapetritis and Kotzias

The conference also saw a sharp exchange between current Foreign Minister Gerapetritis and former Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias. Gerapetritis defended the government’s efforts, emphasizing progress in Greek-Turkish relations and the revival of Cyprus talks.

“We do not suffer from a fear syndrome. On the contrary, we are determined to move forward,” Gerapetritis said.

Kotzias countered, accusing the government of missed opportunities in foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East and Greek-Turkish relations.

On Greek-Turkish relations, he underlined that dialogue does not equate to concessions:
“Dialogue does not inherently mean compromise. Good neighborly relations can only be built with mutual goodwill to move forward together.”