Greek Foreign Minister: Solution with Turkey ‘difficult but not impossible’

·

Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has told Ekathimerini on Sunday that Greece cannot ignore its differences with Turkey over territorial disputes in the Mediterranean and other issues but while a solution is difficult, it is not impossible.

The two countries are NATO allies but at odds over many issues, including competing claims over the extent of their continental shelves in the Mediterranean, air space, energy resources and ethnically-split Cyprus.

“It is not possible to hide under the rug issues where we have different views and approaches,” Dendias told Ekathimerini newspaper in an interview.

READ MORE: Turkish, Greek Foreign Ministers trade severe accusations at news conference.

Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, met with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, on Thursday.

On Thursday, Dendias and his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, clashed openly at a joint news conference in Ankara that began with hopes of improved relations, but quickly descended into acrimonious accusations from both sides.

It was the first visit by a Greek foreign minister to Turkey since 2015 in an effort to find common ground for a positive agenda of discussions with Ankara.

Dendias told the paper that while the climate during the talks was good, there was no convergence on many issues.

READ MORE: EU blast Turkey on human rights and Mediterranean.

Greece and Turkey are at odds over competing claims over the extent of their continental shelves in the Mediterranean.

“The issue we face with Turkey is that there is no common denominator regarding the framework of resolving our differences,” Dendias told the paper.

He said Greece’s view is that demarcating its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf with Turkey in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean must be based on international law.

“I don’t see a toughening of Turkey’s stance on the issues concerning the Aegean and the east Mediterranean. But I do see fixed positions that are beyond international law, which makes resolution prospects difficult but not impossible,” he said.

Dendias said he has invited Cavusoglou to Athens to continue talks and this could help to prepare the ground for a meeting of Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan.

READ MORE: Turkey violates Greek airspace as Foreign Minister Dendias meets with Turkey’s Ambassador.

Source: Reuters.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos begins official visit with arrival in Sydney

Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad Ioannis Loverdos is in Sydney, marking the start of his official visit to Australia and NZ.

Greta Thunberg alleges mistreatment in Israeli detention after arriving in Athens

Greta Thunberg has alleged she was mistreated while detained in Israel, speaking to hundreds of supporters upon her arrival at Athens.

Police charge alleged Croydon Park gunman Artemios Mintzas with 25 offences

Artemios Mintzas, accused of unleashing dozens of gunshots across Sydney’s inner west, has been charged with 25 serious offences.

Zeibekiko Festival Australia kicks off in Sydney with music, memory and movement

The 3rd Zeibekiko Festival Australia launched in dazzling style on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Greek Community Club in Sydney.

Sydney father Artemios Mintzas identified as alleged Croydon Park gunman

Police have identified the man accused of opening fire on pedestrians, drivers and officers in Sydney’s inner west as Artemios Mintzas.

You May Also Like

GACL invites artists to take part in first-ever ‘Greek Australian Artists Directory’

The Greek-Australian Cultural League (GACL) is inviting artists to register for a new platform in what will be the first-ever 'Greek Australian Artists Directory' (GAAD).

Court rules against familial intervention of Mikis Theodorakis’ burial arrangements

Theodorakis’ funeral wishes will be upheld after the Athens First Instance Court ruled in favor of an injunction filed against his family.

Jailed leader of Greek far-right Golden Dawn party released on parole

The convicted leader of Greece’s far-right Golden Dawn party, Nikos Mihaloliakos, has been released from prison on parole.