Greece, Türkiye discuss potential maritime zone talks on UNGA sidelines

Greece and Türkiye are set to explore the possibility of initiating talks on demarcating their maritime zones, a critical issue in their long-standing disputes.

This follows a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

Birleşmiş Milletler (BM) 79. Genel Kurulu nedeniyle Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nin (ABD) New York şehrinde bulunan Cumhurbaşkanımız @RTErdogan, ikili temasları kapsamında Yunanistan Başbakanı Kyriakos Miçotakis ile Birleşmiş Milletler Binası’nda bir araya geldi. pic.twitter.com/uhkLxU6TzK

— T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı (@tcbestepe) September 24, 2024

Türkiye and Greece bilateral ties

According to statements from both the Turkish presidency and the Greek foreign ministry, the leaders discussed bilateral ties and agreed to explore whether conditions are favorable for addressing the demarcation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

“The two leaders tasked their foreign ministers to explore whether conditions are favourable to initiate discussions on the demarcation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone,” said Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.

Maritime zone disputes

The maritime boundaries between the two NATO allies have been a source of tension for decades.

Greece and Türkiye have been at odds over a range of issues, including airspace rights, maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, and the situation in Cyprus. An agreement on maritime zones is crucial for determining rights over potential gas reserves and power infrastructure projects in the region.

Eased tensions and renewed dialogue

Tensions between the two countries have eased in recent years, with both sides agreeing last year to reboot relations and maintain open channels of communication.

Tuesday’s meeting in New York marks a continuation of these efforts, with foreign ministers from both nations now tasked with preparing for a high-level meeting set to take place in Ankara in January.

The Greek prime minister’s office confirmed that preparations for the January meeting would focus on exploring the possibility of reaching an agreement on maritime zones, an issue with significant geopolitical and economic implications for both countries.