(MENAFN) Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias expressed his optimism about the potential for cooperation and growth between Greece and Turkey, emphasizing his dream of erasing the longstanding Greek-Turkish differences and fostering collaboration between the two countries. In an interview with public broadcaster ERT, Dendias highlighted the resolution of the Greek-Turkish disagreement on maritime zones as his greatest aspiration for Greek foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law in finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Dendias acknowledged that the period of escalation between Greece and Turkey in the summer of 2020 was the most challenging time during his tenure as foreign minister. However, he commended the level-headedness and realistic attitudes of both sides, which ultimately averted the worst outcomes. Encouraged by recent positive developments, such as the joint response to natural disasters, including earthquakes in southern Turkey and a train accident in northern Greece, Dendias expressed hope that the window of opportunity to improve relations between the two countries can be sustained.
The diplomatic exchanges between Greece and Turkey reflect a desire for rapprochement and increased cooperation. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Dendias met in Brussels on March 20, where they agreed on mutual support for each other's international campaigns. Greece pledged its support for Turkey's candidacy for the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, while Turkey committed to backing Greece's campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2025-2026. These gestures signify a willingness to foster positive bilateral relations.
In a further demonstration of goodwill, Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos recently visited Turkey and held discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and foster dialogue on various security issues of mutual concern. These engagements between high-ranking officials from both countries reflect a shared commitment to exploring opportunities for collaboration and finding common ground.
While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Dendias remains hopeful that Greece and Turkey can overcome their differences and work towards a mutually beneficial relationship. By resolving the maritime dispute in accordance with international law and maintaining a constructive approach, both countries have the potential to create a burst of opportunities and growth. The pursuit of improved relations between Greece and Turkey not only holds significance for the two nations but also has broader implications for stability and cooperation in the region.
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