Leaders of Greece and Turkey agree to mend ties after years of friction

·

Greece and Turkey on Thursday agreed to reboot their relations, establishing a roadmap designed to usher in a new era of closer ties after years of friction between the two NATO allies.

This news comes after Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan made a landmark visit to Greece and met with a number of diplomats including Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

During his meeting with Mitsotakis, both leaders agreed to focus on pursuing good neighbourly relations, keep open channels of communication, seek military confidence-building measures to eliminate sources of tension, boost trade volumes and work on issues which have kept them apart, notably in the Aegean Sea.

According to Ekathimerini, the meeting of Mitsotakis and Erdogan went on longer than anticipated. Erdogan said he expected to receive Mitsotakis in Ankara.

“There is no issue between us that is unsolvable. So long as we focus on the big picture and don’t end up being like those who cross the sea and drown in the river,” Erdogan said after his meeting with Greece’s PM.

The Turkish leader added, “We want to turn the Aegean into a sea of peace. Through the joint steps we will take as Turkey and Greece, we want to be an example to the world.”

For his part, Mitsotakis said, “Greece and Turkey have to live in peace, find solutions [to their problems], and those that cannot be resolved, they should not lead to crises.”

“I feel a historical debt to bring the two countries close,” he continued.

The visit included the signing of the ‘Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good-Neighborliness’ and 15 other agreements to work on issues which have caused tensions, mainly in the Aegean Sea.

Mitsotakis also confirmed that Greece will revive a plan offering Turkish citizens seven-day visas to visit 10 Greek islands near Turkey and said that talks between the two sides will continue in numerous areas such as economic and cultural cooperation.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

Pontians spread Christmas cheer to Sydney nursing homes with annual carols

Pontoxeniteas Sydney have spread some festive cheer this week to Greek nursing homes and members' homes with their Pontian Christmas carols.

Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW celebrates 40th Dimitria Festival

Pan-Macedonian Association of New South Wales celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Dimitria Festival with a dinner dance on October 28.

Nick Dinakis remains in hospital after Hunter Valley deadly bus crash

Nick Dinakis, whose partner Darcy Bulman died in the horror bus crash of Hunter Valley moved to a less serious hospital unit.