“Feeling” is caused by the statement made by the Turkish ambassador Tsagatai Erciyes, who, being at an event for the anniversary of the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey, spoke about Greece, which, among other things, he described as an “ally”.
Athens and Ankara are attempting to investigate the Greek-Turkish dialogue in order to open the next chapter of the positive agenda and the preservation of the “calm waters” in the Aegean in order to reach the demarcation of maritime zones.
On Tuesday night (29/10), the Turkish ambassador made a particularly friendly reference to Greece, speaking of many months of efforts for cooperation that will bring benefits to both countries:
“Turkey and Greece are two neighboring countries and allies, linked by common geography, history, culture and, most importantly, a common future. Our mutual interests require cooperation, especially now, as our region faces constant wars and other challenges.
This spirit of cooperation is the direction our leaders are now actively pursuing. President Erdogan and Prime Minister Mitsotakis have met six times in the last 16 months. During this period, we reactivated all dialogue channels, increased high-level contacts, held numerous technical meetings and launched many joint cooperation projects, including mutual support for each other’s candidacies to international organizations such as the UNSC, IMO and OSCE ..
Our cooperation has already brought tangible benefits in many areas such as economy, trade, investment, tourism and culture.
This year, our trade volume is expected to reach 6.2 billion dollars, with 1.2 million Turkish tourists visiting Greece and 700,000 Greek visitors to Turkey.
In the coming days, our Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, will visit Athens and next year we will host the next meeting of the High Level Cooperation Council in Ankara.
This positive momentum we are building offers a unique opportunity to address all our outstanding and complex issues that in the past have led to tensions and crises.
This is a difficult task as there are political, psychological and historical obstacles to overcome.
However, I always believe that our problems are not insurmountable as long as we keep our lines of communication open.
I am confident that through a sincere and meaningful dialogue based on international law and good neighborliness, respecting each other’s legitimate interests and rights and drawing harmony rather than hostility from our shared history, we can find mutually beneficial solutions to all our long-standing problems .
We remain committed to strengthening our relations with Greece and cultivating a culture of cooperation that serves the best interests of both our nations and future generations.”
#allies #Greece
**Interview with James O’Brien on Greek-Turkish Relations and Diplomacy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, James. As you prepare to lead this key meeting with the Greek and Turkish Ambassadors, can you share your thoughts on the recent statements made by Turkish Ambassador Tsagatai Erciyes regarding Greece?
**James O’Brien:** Thank you for having me. Ambassador Erciyes’ remarks at the Republic of Turkey anniversary event were certainly noteworthy. His description of Greece as an “ally” reflects a shift in tone that could pave the way for more constructive dialogue between our two nations. It’s essential to focus on the commonalities — our geography, history, and culture — and how they can unite us.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of dialogue. In light of the ongoing challenges in the region, what are the main objectives for this upcoming meeting?
**James O’Brien:** The main objective is to facilitate open communication between Greece and Turkey. We aim to explore avenues for cooperation, specifically concerning the demarcation of maritime zones and ensuring stability in the Aegean. It’s crucial that both sides recognize their mutual interests and work toward preserving “calm waters” in this turbulent environment.
**Interviewer:** Ambassador Erciyes also spoke about a shared future and the benefits of cooperation. How do you think this dialogue can translate into tangible outcomes for both countries?
**James O’Brien:** That’s an important point. Cooperation does not only involve political engagement; it can extend to economic, cultural, and social partnerships as well. By fostering these collaborative efforts, both nations can benefit greatly, especially in areas like trade, tourism, and energy security. The key is commitment from both leaderships to turn these discussions into action.
**Interviewer:** Can you speak to the significance of the upcoming Biden-Christodoulides meeting in this context?
**James O’Brien:** Absolutely. The involvement of the U.S. at this level underscores the international community’s interest in stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This meeting provides a platform for Greece and Turkey to express their commitments to dialogue and cooperation in front of a global audience, potentially increasing accountability and momentum for progress.
**Interviewer:** as you look ahead, what is your vision for the future of Greek-Turkish relations?
**James O’Brien:** My vision is one of constructive engagement, where both countries recognize each other as partners rather than adversaries. It will take time, and there will undoubtedly be challenges, but by focusing on our shared interests, I believe we can create a more peaceful and prosperous future for both peoples.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, James, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how these discussions unfold.
**James O’Brien:** Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be part of this important dialogue.
