Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and visiting Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday underscored the significance of maintaining the recent positive trajectory in bilateral relations, despite longstanding disputes.
In a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the importance of dialogue. “Despite the differences, we focus on the positive agenda by keeping our dialogue channels open,” he stated.
The President of Turkey stated that a productive discussion took place between the two parties, focusing on matters concerning Turkey-Greece relations, and they reached a consensus to target a bilateral trade value of 10 billion U.S. dollars. Erdogan conveyed optimism that the enhanced relations would have a beneficial effect on the rights of the Turkish minority in Greece. He additionally emphasized the importance of a “just and lasting resolution” to the Cyprus matter, grounded on the actualities of the island, in order to promote stability and peace in the region.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Erdogan diverged from Mitsotakis, stating, “I do not see Hamas as a terrorist organization. Hamas is a resistance group that protects its lands.”
Mitsotakis recognized the continuous progress in bilateral collaboration, emphasizing the positive evolution of mutual understanding and relations between the two parties. Additionally, he reiterated Greece’s endorsement of Türkiye’s European Union membership procedure. Mitsotakis acknowledged a disparity in viewpoints regarding the Gaza matter. “We know that Türkiye accepts Hamas, which we consider a terrorist group, in a different way,” he said, noting that Greece also agrees that civilians must be protected.