FM: ‘Only action can produce momentum’
George Gerapetritis to meet Turkish counterpart in November to discuss framework so talks can possibly start on continental shelf and EEZ
George Gerapetritis and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, are expected to hold talks in Athens next month centered on the next steps for possibly moving ahead with negotiations on the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf delimitation, the Greek foreign minister confirms in an interview with Kathimerini.
He notes that there is no question of continuing the past process of exploratory contacts, since “what has emerged is that we often found ourselves in a worse position at the end of each round than we were at the start.” In diplomacy, Geraptritis adds, “only action can produce momentum.”
Have you and your Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, been tasked with exploring whether the conditions exist to start discussing the delineation of the EEZ and the continental shelf? What does this exploratory process entail, what is the timeline and what is the procedure that will be followed?
It’s been roughly 15 months since the leaders of the two countries [Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan] decided to initiate a structured dialogue so that bilateral relations could be put on a different trajectory. Step by step, we have accomplished a certain level of trust, with open channels of communication to prevent crises. Cooperation on migration, civil protection and the positive agenda have brought tangible results, while the violations of our national airspace have effectively stopped. This climate confirms our desire to contribute to establishing a sense of calm and security in our neighborhood, which, let’s not forget, is caught in the middle of two wars. Right now, as the two foreign ministers, we have been assigned the task of evaluating whether the prerequisites are in place to proceed with a substantial discussion on the delineation of the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone. These prerequisites are linked to the content of the discussion, which may concern only this particular issue, the general principles that will be applied for the delimitation – namely the full application of international law – the timeline and the form of dialogue, as well as any recourse to international arbitration, which could be the end point of this process based on a memorandum of understanding. I will have the opportunity to discuss these matters with the Turkish minister of foreign affairs during his visit to Athens, likely in November.
Are we talking about a continuation of the former exploratory contacts? Also, if the two sides have not come to some conclusion on the matter of territorial waters, how can we talk about the EEZ? On the basis of 6 nautical miles, 12 nautical miles, or something in between?
The discussion does not involve the question of territorial waters, which, as a matter of sovereignty, has always eluded the framework of Greek-Turkish dialogue. Their extension, moreover, is the sovereign and inalienable right of the Greek state, in the manner and at the time that it deems appropriate. If a convergence on the framework of the delineation is achieved, the two leaders will, if they so judge, give special instructions during the High-Level Cooperation Council, which is scheduled to take place in January in Ankara, for in-depth talks to begin. If there is no confluence between the two sides on the framework, the discussion about delineation will not go ahead and we will strive to maintain the relatively good climate. With respect to the exploratory talks, let me put it simply: We have no intention of going to Round 65. After 21 years and 64 rounds of exploratory talks, we have not succeeded in reaching a point where we can initiate a discussion with Turkey, not even on the procedure, let alone on the substance. And what has unfortunately emerged is that we often found ourselves in a worse position at the end of each round than we were at the start. History has shown us that when it comes to complex foreign policy issues, inaction is usually detrimental. Only action produces momentum.
What is Ankara bringing to the table? Despite the calm waters, Turkey has remained intransigent on its maximalist ideas in recent months, especially with regard to the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, which, in fact, it actively defended just last July.
We never expected Turkey to renounce overnight its basic underlying positions and claims, which have been developed over decades. It would be naive to expect such a thing, and I assure you that we are far from that. After all, the Athens Declaration for Friendship and Good-Neighborly Relations, which was signed by the two leaders in December 2023, explicitly states that the two sides do not resign from their basic legal positions. The difference is that the Greek positions are based entirely on international law, especially the Law of the Sea, and, hence, we insist on its faithful application. Greece has never recognized and will never recognize Turkish claims such as those arising from the illegal and baseless Turkish-Libyan memorandum.
Is there a real possibility of the Halki Theological School being reopened? Has Turkey asked for anything in return?
Greece’s foreign policy is not transactional; it is based on principles and values. Therefore, in exercising our sovereignty, and with respect for the rule of law, we make sure that people of all faiths can practice their religion without impediment and that all monuments of intrinsic cultural value, such as Ottoman monuments, are restored. The reopening of the Halki Seminary is not a bilateral issue but a matter of universal demand and of respect for religious freedom. If it goes ahead, it will be a gesture of substance and enormous symbolism – and we will welcome it.
‘We never expected Turkey to renounce overnight its basic underlying positions and claims, which have been developed over decades. It would be naive to expect such a thing, and I assure you that we are far from that’
Is the political climate in Greece right now conducive to a discussion about making some compromises on Greek-Turkish issues?
There is no need for compromise to support our positions, because they are governed by international law. In politics, of course, and in foreign policy all the more so, there are always two paths. One is the path of facile rhetoric, which is palatable and easy on the ear, and the other is the path of honesty, respecting the truth and seeking to do what’s right. The government’s choice, and that of the entire political system, I hope, is the latter path. Because what is true is also what is in the national interest. We have the knowledge, the confidence and the wisdom to engage in dialogue with Turkey. But we also have a lot of international capital, which we have earned through our consistency and our unwavering stance in favor of the universal application of international law. And this is why the current period is a good opportunity for Greece to be actively present on the international stage and to address the tough issues bilaterally. I also feel that most of society shares this belief, understanding the value of long-term peace and stability, especially when our region and the world at large are plagued by wars and asymmetric crises. This government has demonstrated that it can deal with tough challenges.
What will happen with the marine parks being planned in the Ionian, but also the Aegean, and with the Great Sea Interconnector between Cyprus and Greece linking their power grids?
The marine parks will go ahead as originally planned, dictated purely by environmental, not geopolitical, criteria. Therefore, the technical study for delineating their boundaries is progressing. The program for the electricity interconnection of Greece and Cyprus is a project in which there is a mutual interest from the European Union, which is co-funding it. It is extremely important for Cyprus because it will deal with the problem of its energy isolation, but it is also important on a broader geopolitical scale. What needed to be ensured was the project’s financial sustainability, so now that the relevant political leaderships have agreed on its essential economic aspects and the regulatory authorities for energy of Greece and Cyprus have worked out the details, the project can go ahead. Greece is not going back on its original plans.
Is there any room for hope on the Cyprus issue right now?
There is no doubt that the informal meeting being planned this month between the secretary-general of the United Nations [Antonio Guterres] and the president of the Republic of Cyprus [Nikos Christodoulides] and the Turkish-Cypriot leader [Ersin Tatar] is a positive development. We have gone to great lengths, in solidarity with Nicosia, so that the Cyprus issue is a top priority at the UN. The fact that there has been an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations has admittedly created better conditions for a resumption of talks. Productive dialogue is the only way to achieve a sustainable solution, always, of course, within the framework of the [UN] Security Council resolutions. A discussion cannot end unless it begins.
Albania has been invited to take the next steps that would bring it closer to EU accession. Is there room for improvement in Athens’ relationship with Tirana?
We are neighbors and working toward the improvement of our relations is in the best interest of our citizens. The launch of negotiations on the first package of accession commitments, which have to do with fundamental rights and the rule of law, is part of this context. Greece will be watching the evaluation, and especially the part concerning strict adherence to the EU acquis and respect for minority rights, which are pillars of the rule of law. A more European Albania will be a better neighbor for Greece.
In contrast, North Macedonia’s path to the EU has run into obstacles that are not related to the Prespa Agreement with Greece. Are you concerned that the government in Skopje, which is promoting the interests of third parties in the region, could further exacerbate the situation?
Bearing in mind the region’s particularities and history, we believe that supporting the European vision of all the Western Balkan states, including the Republic of North Macedonia, is the only way forward. Greece, after all, paved the way for the 2003 Thessaloniki Agenda. That it is essential for every candidate country to demonstrate respect for the entirety of international law, and, for North Macedonia especially, to fully and in good faith implement the terms of international agreements, foremost of which is the Prespa Agreement, should go without saying. The selective implementation of international treaties undermines the regional and international security architecture and cannot be accepted by the EU.
What is your assessment of the situation in the Middle East? Given Greece’s upcoming term on the Security Council, do you believe that the delicate balancing act Greece will have to perform in 2025 and 2026 could harm its strategic relationships with, say, Israel?
We are extremely concerned by Iran’s unconscionable attack on Israel and the expansion of hostilities in the Middle East. It is critical to avoid a further escalation that could lead to a full-scale conflict. Our country, whose foreign policy is based on principles and, more especially, on the faithful application of international law, engages in dialogue with all the different sides and is a pillar of stability in the broader region. It is essential that we exhaust every possible diplomatic avenue for achieving peace as soon as possible. This is what we will strive for through our participation in the United Nations Security Council during the 2025-2026 term. It is an enormous challenge, but also a great responsibility. Without compromises, but with knowledge and confidence, we strengthen Greece’s position in the world.
