What to Expect in Athens-Ankara Relations in 2024

Last year started with Athens and Ankara relations probably at the lowest ebb in years, but Turkey’s deadly earthquakes that struck weeks later and Greece’s response to the tragedy created a new backdrop for bilateral relations.

2023 ended with the two NATO allies agreeing to reboot their relations, establishing a roadmap designed to initiate a new era of closer ties during a landmark visit to Athens by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Geography and history have dictated that we live in the same neighborhood … But I feel a historical responsibility to utilize this opportunity to bring the two states side by side, just as our borders are,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a meeting where both sides appeared keen to repair their relations.

“There is no issue between us that is unsolvable,” said Erdogan. Only a year earlier, he had warned Greece that Turkish missiles can reach Athens.

In 2023 governments were re-elected in both countries, receiving a new strong mandate to deal with thorny issues, also regarding foreign policy.

Click to Read the Full Article

Source: eKathimerini.com