Greece Looks to Expand Cooperation with Turkey on Energy Issues After Elections
Date
4/12/2023 5:38:01 AM
(MENAFN) Greece has expressed its willingness to expand cooperation with Turkey on energy issues following the upcoming elections in both countries, marking a positive turn in their relationship after decades of disputes. Speaking after talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Athens, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said that Greece is "always looking for ways to have honest and sincere cooperation with Turkey."
Recent high-level meetings between Greek and Turkish officials have taken place in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey in February. The two sides have promised to shelve their differences and work towards cooperation, including on energy issues that have been at the heart of their disputes.
Dendias also invited other countries to join the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, an association of nations in the eastern Mediterranean who cooperate on natural gas development. Turkey is not currently a member of the forum. However, Dendias stated that any new members must abide by international law and the law of the sea.
The current members of the forum include Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. Greece and Egypt are also planning to build a 3.5 billion euro ($3.8 billion) undersea grid connector across the Mediterranean over the next decade, led by the Greek energy firm, the Copelouzos Group.
The willingness of Greece to expand cooperation with Turkey on energy issues is a positive development in their relationship, which has been marked by decades of tension and even the risk of war. The upcoming elections in both countries provide an opportunity for a new beginning, and it is hoped that both sides can continue to work towards peaceful cooperation and resolution of their disputes.
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