Greek FM Gerapetritis hails progress in Türkiye ties, highlights ongoing dialogue

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has stated that the dialogue process between Greece and Türkiye over the past year and a half has led to progress in certain areas, including reduced tensions over airspace disputes, enhanced cooperation on migration, and increased trade volume.

Diplomatic progress in Greek-Turkish relations

Speaking to the Greek-American newspaper Ethnikos Kirikas ahead of his visit to New York for a United Nations Security Council meeting on Feb. 23, Gerapetritis highlighted key developments in relations between Athens and Ankara.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement despite existing disagreements.

According to the minister, the structured dialogue with Türkiye has led to a significant reduction in airspace violations, strengthened migration cooperation, and boosted bilateral trade.

He also noted an increase in the number of Turkish visitors to the Eastern Aegean islands, attributing this to improved diplomatic efforts.

Sovereignty and negotiation boundaries

Gerapetritis reiterated that Greece would not compromise on its sovereign rights, stating, “It is unrealistic to expect Türkiye to abandon its long-standing demands. We are open to negotiations solely on the delimitation of the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone, based on international law.”

He accused Türkiye of attempting to turn disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean into a broader bargaining process, an approach he said Greece does not accept.

Commitment to ongoing dialogue

Despite differences, the Greek minister stressed the need to keep communication channels open, stating that diplomacy should remain a priority to maintain regional stability.

He underscored Greece’s commitment to working toward peaceful resolutions while respecting international law and safeguarding national interests.