A day before the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey meet in Athens on Friday, Giorgos Gerapetritis and Hakan Fidan laid out their respective positions in two separate interviews.
The Greek foreign minister, In an interview with Turkish daily Hurriyet, Greek FM Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and economic cooperation between the two countries and reiterated that the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the sole issue between the two nations, one that could be resolved through international jurisdiction.
“The two countries must build bridges of friendship without disregarding the historical experiences of the past,” Gerapetritis stated, underscoring Greece’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully based on international law.
On his part, Hakan Fidan, speaking to Greek daily Ta Nea, stressed Turkey’s desire to enhance cooperation with Greece and advance a positive agenda for dialogue. While advocating for the protection of Turkish national interests in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, he expressed hope for a sincere approach from Athens.
“We have many interconnected issues that cannot be limited solely to the question of the continental shelf and the EEZ. We believe it is time to address all these matters with mutual respect and cooperation,” he noted adding that there must be a “win-win” situation.
Addressing the Cyprus issue, Fidan reiterated the existence of two distinct states on the island, suggesting that they could coexist peacefully as neighbors. He noted a new spirit on the island that could foster prosperity, security, freedom, and sovereignty for both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Citing diplomatic sources, the Greek newspaper To Vima reported that the two delegations will explore the prospect of whether there are conducive conditions for discussions on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf.
Athens has made it clear that it would avoid engaging in any talks involving matters of Greek national sovereignty or defense, the same sources stress, adding that Greece would not entertain any talks about a “win-win” proposal or Erdogan’s dream of a “mutually beneficial” proposition if the Turkish Foreign Minister tables them during the meeting, to vima noted, among others.
FM Fidan is scheduled to arrive in Athens on Friday morning, he hold a private meeting with his Greek counterpart. Both ministers will make joint statement to the press at noon and a luncheon will follow.
As announced, on Friday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m., Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will welcome Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
