Efforts to improve relations between Greece and Turkey, longstanding NATO allies and regional competitors, have recently shown positive results, their foreign ministers reported. Despite years of friction over territorial issues, energy resources, and migration, the two countries are finding ways to engage in constructive dialogue to avoid crises.
Greece and Turkey have a history of disputes, especially over maritime boundaries, with tensions frequently bringing them close to open conflict. In 2020, for example, a dispute over drilling rights saw their naval forces nearly clash in the eastern Mediterranean. Despite these differences, diplomatic efforts over the past year have aimed to maintain a stable line of communication.
Recent high-level diplomatic meetings have been pivotal, with Greek and Turkish leaders convening six times over the past 16 months. In December, the countries marked a milestone in cooperation by signing over a dozen agreements in Athens, signaling a potential shift in relations.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis highlighted that while the diplomatic channels have improved, they haven’t resolved every issue. Speaking after a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, he admitted that while disagreements persist, the two countries have established an “honest channel” that has prevented these issues from escalating into greater conflict.
Amid the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, maintaining stability in the eastern Mediterranean has become even more critical. Gerapetritis and Fidan both stressed the need for mutual trust in managing shared regional challenges, as conflict between the two could destabilize the region further.
Greece and Turkey Enhance Diplomatic Relations Amidst Disputes Over Territory and Migration
Fidan expressed Turkey’s belief in a “win-win” approach, hoping this will support both nations’ prosperity and peace. However, the complex issue of Aegean territorial rights remains a significant barrier, as Greece and Turkey have deep-rooted disagreements over the delineation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones, which affect resource exploitation rights.
At the center of the maritime dispute is Greece’s stance that its islands in the Aegean have the right to a continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, a position Turkey disputes. Greece views this as its primary unresolved issue with Turkey and is open to taking the matter to the International Court of Justice.
Turkey, however, believes that the Aegean dispute involves multiple interconnected issues that can’t be simplified into a single case. Both sides are focused on maintaining dialogue and respect in their approach to these territorial disagreements, but the path to a comprehensive resolution is far from clear.
Migration remains another challenging issue, as thousands of people make dangerous journeys from Turkey to Greek islands in hopes of reaching the European Union. This migration wave has strained both countries, making coordinated action against illegal migration a priority.
Following their recent meeting, the foreign ministers emphasized a mutual commitment to combatting smuggling networks and managing migration flows together. By addressing this shared concern, Greece and Turkey may find additional ground for cooperation amid their broader regional and bilateral tensions.
