Balkans | A message of dialogue and cooperation with Türkiye from the new government in Greece

Greek Foreign Minister Yiorgos Irapetritis stated that postponing the resolution of differences with Turkey does not benefit the two countries, adding that the Greek government wants to increase dialogue and cooperation with Turkey in the new period.

During the meetings of the Assembly, where the new government program was discussed, Ierapetritis gave information about the foreign policy priorities of his country.

“Respect for international law and sincere intent for cooperation and dialogue remain our compass in our relations with Turkey,” Yerapetritis said. He said.

Referring to Greece’s desire for good-neighborly relations with Turkey, Yerapetretis stressed that the resumption of talks between the two sides, setting a positive agenda with confidence-building measures and increasing economic cooperation.

Noting that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO summit in Vilnius next week, Ierapetritis stated that Mitsotakis will try to establish relations with Erdogan within the framework of mutual respect.

Irapetritis explained that he wants to solve the problems related to the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf with Turkey along the lines of the agreements concluded between Greece, Egypt and Italy, “The constant postponement of these problems does not serve the interests of the two countries.” He said.

Pointing out that the Cyprus problem is the priority of Greece’s foreign policy, Ierapetritis argued that the two-state solution cannot be accepted.

Emphasizing that his country finds revisionism unacceptable, Ierapetritis said that the status quo established by the Treaty of Lausanne and the Montreux Convention cannot be changed.

Stating that Athens aims to pursue an active policy in international relations, Yerapetritis said that Greece supports Sweden’s membership in NATO, will continue to support Ukraine, and will take the lead from the perspective of the European Union (EU) for the Balkans, and attach importance to regional cooperation. He added that he aims to improve relations with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.