On December 3, diplomats from Greece and Turkey convened for the third installment of political dialogue talks held in Athens. The gathering, which included Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou and her counterpart, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay, was pivotal for touching on several pressing issues relating to bilateral relations as well as ties with the European Union.
The meeting primarily aimed to lay the groundwork for the upcoming High-Level Cooperation Council set to take place in Turkey during 2025. During their discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation and dialogue, working toward establishing a "constructive and positive atmosphere." They agreed on the need for enhanced bilateral and international collaboration, especially as they prepare for the sixth High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting planned for early 2025.
A joint statement released after the meeting highlighted the mutual commitment of Greece and Turkey to improving their relationship. The statement reflected both nations’ recognition of each other's efforts to strengthen cooperation not only diplomatically but also across various sectors.
At the heart of the discussions were broader regional issues, as well as the state of the EU-Turkey relationship. Tensions have long characterized Greek-Turkish relations, with historical disputes over matters such as irregular migration, territorial sovereignty within the Aegean Sea, and the Cyprus issue. These topics dominated past dialogues to varying degrees, indicating the complexity of the geopolitical dynamics at play.
Recent years have shown signs of thawing relations. One notable moment was during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Athens back in December 2023, which resulted in significant diplomatic advances. Following this visit, both countries issued statements of friendship and committed to facilitating visa processes for Turkish citizens seeking to travel to certain Greek islands. This shift also coincided with decreased irregular migrant flows to Greece, signaling another step forward—albeit cautiously.
Nevertheless, challenges still loom large. Disputes concerning territorial waters, especially those surrounding the Aegean, remain unresolved, relating to conflicts over airspace and maritime territory. Recent incidents featuring clashes between Turkish and Greek jets underlined the fragile nature of the normalization process and continue to raise suspicions on both sides.
Adding fuel to these tensions are arms deals made between Turkey and the United States, particularly involving fighter jets. Such transactions have sparked significant concern among Greek officials, who worry about the possibility of renewed military tensions as the parties reaffirm their commitments to defense.
Despite these precarious dynamics, the dialogues signal a willingness to engage constructively and address underlying grievances. The Greek and Turkish governments seem determined to keep the lines of communication open. This public commitment to discussions offers some hope for improving the bilateral relationship amid historical rivalries.
Moving forward, many analysts will closely monitor how this dialogue progresses and whether it yields substantial results, particularly as the scheduled High-Level Cooperation Council meeting approaches. Ministerial meetings like these provide platforms not just for protocol but also for addressing regional crises and finding common ground on shared interests.
Greek and Turkish officials are aware of the stakes; their discussions come at a pivotal moment for both nations, especially against the backdrop of challenges faced within the EU. The outcome of their collaborations may influence broader discussions between Turkey and the EU, where relations have been fluctuated, especially amid contentious migration and economic issues.
The meeting’s outcome indicates optimism, but it’s evident from diplomatic channels and expert commentary alike: real progress will require substantive actions beyond mutual statements of intent. Achieving lasting solutions will likely depend on grappling with the tough historical realities and current geopolitical interests involved.
