Greek and Turkish diplomats met in Athens on Tuesday for a third round of political dialogue, marking another step in the ongoing effort to normalize relations between the two countries.
The talks, held in a "positive atmosphere," focused on bilateral relations, recent developments, and preparations for the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council scheduled for early 2025.
The delegations, led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers Alexandra Papadopoulou (Greece) and Mehmet Kemal Bozay (Turkey), discussed a range of issues, including European Union-Turkey relations, regional developments, and opportunities for increased cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to exploring further areas of collaboration.
The meeting follows a visit to Athens by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on November 8, where he met with his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis.
During that meeting, both sides acknowledged that conditions are not yet ripe for discussions on sensitive issues like the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
While Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing dialogue, he has emphasized that negotiations on the EEZ have not yet begun. This cautious approach reflects the complexity of the issues at stake and the need for a gradual and measured approach to resolving long-standing disputes.
Despite the challenges, the continued dialogue between Greece and Turkey represents a positive development in the relationship between these two NATO allies.
By focusing on areas of common ground and building trust through engagement, both countries are taking important steps towards a more stable and cooperative future.