A new page in Greek-Turkish relations?
The public statements and overall behavior of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ministers in Athens last Thursday indicated that improving relations with Greece is a strategic decision by Ankara – and a perfectly logical one, too, given the developments in the Middle East and Ankara’s somewhat uncomfortable relationship with the West right now.
Athens, it goes without saying, wants the same thing. The two sides are obviously different in their approaches, with Greece having always – and across the political spectrum – been in favor of good-neighborly relations, something that is not necessarily the case with Turkey, whose attitude has often been the cause of increased tensions.
Nevertheless, the countries are in a new phase now, a phase whose duration remains to be seen and whose success will depend not just on what is said but – more importantly – on what is done. For the time being, the thorns between the two countries are not standing in the way of a rapprochement.
During his visit to Athens Erdogan clearly demonstrated that he can hold his position on specific issues, but also that he has chosen to adopt a new approach for normalizing ties with Greece, with the encouragement of the international community – the United States and Germany in particular – also playing a part.
Turkey’s economic problems and the fiscal needs of both countries are another important factor driving this rapprochement.
Greece’s clear confirmation of its continued support for Turkey’s European Union prospects, together with specific measures like granting Turkish citizens temporary visas for 10 Greek islands, were met with satisfaction by the Turkish side.
The same win-win approach led to the signing of a slew of bilateral agreements, some of which, like the one on migration, being extremely important for both countries, and beyond.
With regard to the meeting between the two leaders and their press conference afterward, everything was conducted in a carefully orchestrated framework that coincides with the policy of realistic steps that has been decided and is being applied with consistency.
Highlights included Erdogan’s description of Greeks and Turks as “brothers,” while Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that he feels it is his “historic obligation” to bring the two countries closer together.
Lastly, following Erdogan’s expected – and from the Turkish perspective, essential – reference to the “Turkish” minority in Thrace, the Greek prime minister responded immediately, diplomatically walking a fine line, noting in a mild yet assertive tone that the Christians and Muslims of Thrace live together in harmony and that the Greek state strives to safeguard the rights of Greek citizens belonging to the Muslim minority – as the community is defined by the Lausanne Treaty. He responded in an institutional and responsible manner to an issue that the Turkish president has shown a special personal interest in. The latter’s warm reaction to Mitsdotakis’ assurances showed that he received his host’s statement with some gratification rather than being put out by what he said.
