Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks with Turkish president after months of tension

·

The leaders of Greece and Turkey spoke by phone Friday, the prime minister’s office says, after months of increasing tension between the two countries.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and issues relating to the reopening of borders and tourist visits after the end of lockdowns triggered by the virus, Mitsotakis’ office said.

The two “agreed to maintain bilateral channels of communication open,” it said in a statement.

Tension has been high between the two neighbors and NATO allies in recent months. Greece has accused Turkey of using migrants to pressure Greece, after Ankara declared in late February that Turkey’s borders to the European Union were open to all those who wanted to cross.

Thousands of migrants gathered at Turkey’s border with Greece, demanding to be allowed in. Similar scenes didn’t play out on Turkey’s border with EU member Bulgaria.

Greece and Turkey are also at loggerheads over oil and gas exploration rights in the Mediterranean and over territorial issues in the Aegean Sea dividing the two countries. The two have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s.

According to official in Athens with knowledge of the discussions, the two leaders didn’t discuss anything related to the disputes, but agreed that the level of tension was too high and that direct communication at the highest level would be helpful and should continue.

Discussions focused on broader talks within the EU on the access of nationals from third countries when borders open to tourists. The official said Greece doesn’t in principle object to supporting Turkey’s inclusion in the list of countries that would have access.

The official, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the details of the call, spoke on condition of anonymity.

Sourced By: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

Winners announced for the 6th Greek Public Speaking Festival

The Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria (MGTAV) has announced the winners of the 6th Greek Public Speaking Festival.

Greek flag flies high at Inverell’s Otho Street for OXI Day

Peter McCarthy arranged for a Greek flag to fly proudly outside the Inverell Shire Council (ISC) chambers on Otho Street for OXI Day.

Amanatidis, Valkanis named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for Panda Cup

Nathan Amanatidis and Dimitri Valkanis have been named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for the Panda Cup in China.

You May Also Like

Greek Festival of Sydney returns to Brighton-Le-Sands in May

The Greek Festival of Sydney will return to Bay Street at Brighton-Le-Sands on Saturday, May 27 after a 20 year absence.

Self-professed billionaire Artemis Sorras released from prison three years early

Artemis Sorras was released from prison on Friday after serving 2 years and five months of his six year sentence.

Two Flames: Manolis Charos in the footsteps of Dionysios Solomos

In 2023, an exhibition "Dionysios Solomos... Two Flames... Manolis Charos" was a tribute to Greece’s national poet, Dionysios Solomos.