The shared understanding that tensions between the two countries must be defused and that there is no reason to add to the problems and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as those to which Turkey has accustomed us in recent times, but rather that stability must be consolidated in the shadow of the war in Ukraine, was reflected, according to government sources, at the lunch hosted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which lasted two hours at the Vahdettin Presidential Residence on the Asian side of Istanbul.
The same sources speak of a very positive atmosphere, noting that for the first time in a long while, the two leaders spoke as allies in the face of security challenges, which are emerging against the backdrop of geopolitical realignments stemming from the war in Ukraine. In fact, they agreed to ensure better communication between the two sides of the Aegean Sea at all levels going forward. According to reports, Mr. Mitsotakis agreed to implement confidence-building measures (CBMs) next month, and provided that efforts to de-escalate tensions are successful, the two men agreed to hold the 5th High-Level Cooperation Council between the two countries in Greece this coming fall.
According to the same sources, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated their respective sides‘ long-standing positions on bilateral issues; however, the tone from the Turkish side was more conciliatory compared to the rhetoric Ankara has adopted in recent months.
In this light, according to the same sources, the two leaders chose to emphasize the positive agenda and the deepening of economic cooperation between the two countries. A senior government source assessed that today’s meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lays the foundation for a better era in relations between the two countries.
In addition, the two men agreed to coordinate their efforts, in order to open humanitarian corridors in Ukraine, with the Turkish president even telling the Greek prime minister that, following actions by , a Greek woman had been rescued from Kherson.
With regard to migration, it was emphasized that the two countries must fulfill the obligations they have undertaken.
