“The sun continues to shine on Greece-Turkey relations, our shared geography is our destiny and the Aegean must be a source of dialogue and cooperation and not conflict, to resolve all outstanding issues based on constructive dialogue, diplomacy and International Law,” emphasized former President and Prime Minister of Turkey Abdullah Gul, speaking at the 28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable.
“Despite this unpleasant picture (war in Ukraine, the developments in the Middle East, the rise of the extreme right in Europe) the sun continues to shine when it comes to relations between Greece and Turkey. Our countries share borders on land and sea and our cultures are connected. This connection makes Greek-Turkish relations much more special on a people level,” said Mr. Gul and continued: “Our common geography is our fate, it is our destiny. That is why we must act with prudence and act on the basis of this reality and rely on the openness, the good will and the positive impact that this approach can have on the future of our bilateral relations.
When I implemented this policy, in my previous capacity, with my counterpart from Greece, we had very important results. We paid attention to the positive agenda. The Declaration of Athens opened a new dynamic chapter in our relations. There is the political will from both leaders to continue the constructive dialogue. The Aegean should be a source of dialogue and cooperation, not conflict. To resolve all outstanding issues in the Aegean based on constructive dialogue, diplomacy and International Law. And these must prevail against the logic of conflict. These approaches prepare the ground for a long-term and equitable resolution of the issues in the Aegean that will be acceptable to both sides. We must respect the reasonable rights of both parties and put each other in the shoes of the other. We need to focus on what we all have to gain from, avoiding maximalist approaches.”
Mr. Gul referred to the perspectives that open up for the development of Greek-Turkish relations in the economy, energy and other sectors and pointed out: “With all these positive developments, we must remain cautious against subversive elements that are ready to overturn the positive climate. Let’s not fall into the trap of fringe groups who want to provoke. Maintaining and strengthening the positive atmosphere in our relations will benefit our countries and the wider region. This positive climate will contribute to a long-term and mutually acceptable settlement of the Cyprus issue based on the realities on the island.”
Regarding the war in Ukraine, he noted that it could have been avoided and said that the time has come for dialogue to avoid further destruction.
“It’s not just a war between two countries. It again brings the West against the East and reinforces the polarization. It has turned into a proxy war and is leading to dangerous situations. This war could have been avoided. The Minsk Agreements in 2014 and 2015 did not bring the desired result because, unfortunately, the parties to the Agreements failed to implement them and negotiated war and not peace. Now, the time has come to sit together again at the same table and start serious negotiations to avoid further destruction. This is of critical importance not only for the security of the European Union, but also for the formation of the peace framework around the world,” he pointed out.
Two-state solution in Gaza on the 1967 border
He characterized the situation in the Middle East as extremely worrying and emphasized that the solution is that of two states with East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinians.
“The situation in the Middle East and especially in Gaza is extremely worrying. What happened in October 2023 did not happen in a vacuum. We deplore the loss of civilian population on both sides. But we must not forget that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a history of fifty years, a history full of tragedies. The main reason for this war, which today we all see, with great concern, developing in the Palestinian territories, is in one word the occupation. It is the control of Gaza, it is the settlement of the Palestinian territories, it is the development of policies that are incompatible with human dignity, it is the misrecognition of the binding resolutions of the UN Security Council that lead to today’s tragic images. Moreover, the acceptance of these policies by world public opinion as a new normal simply shows ignorance,” said Mr. Gul, adding: “The complete destruction of Gaza in the eyes of the whole world with over 40,000 innocent dead is not consistent with any value of the West. If we ignore the core of the problem and the generative cause in this way we cannot talk about sustainable peace. The vicious cycle will continue and this will be a strategic error. The two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine is the only option for achieving a bright future for Israelis and Palestinians. The time has come for them to make a groundbreaking effort to solve the problem.”
He also referred to the rise of the extreme right in Europe and underlined: “A new threat is the rise of the extreme right. The rise of the extreme right does not coincide with good developments for Europe in its history. The leaders of the European Union must reflect on the reasons why this is happening.”
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