The meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan was brief due to time constraints during the ongoing UN Summit, but took place in a positive atmosphere, according to Greec government sources.
In their one-on-one discussion, Mitsotakis and Erdogan confirmed their commitment to maintaining the constructive climate and acknowledged that Confidence Building Measures have yielded results so far. Regional and global issues were also on the agenda, the same sources reported.
Regarding the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, it was noted that the foreign ministers of Greece and Türkiye would assess when discussions on these matters could commence as part of the ongoing political dialogue between the two countries. It was agreed that the next High-Level Cooperation Council meeting would be held in January 2025 in Ankara, following the Athens Declaration. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Greece to prepare for the Council in collaboration with Greek FM George Gerapetritis.
Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation on migration issues, aiming to improve collaboration between the relevant authorities of both countries. In this context, the Greek and Turkish migration ministers are expected to meet, a senior government source added.
On the Cyprus issue, the Greek side reiterated Athens and Nicosia's long-standing positions, emphasizing the need to resume dialogue under the UN’s auspices. It also expressed full support for the UN Secretary-General's efforts to convene a trilateral meeting, a high-ranking government source said.
"The Turkish positions are well-known. We remain optimistic," the same source noted.
Following the trilateral meeting between Greece, Cyprus and France, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to meet with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides to brief him on his talks with Turkish President Erdogan.