Athens, Ankara agree to disagree but keep talking

Greece and Turkey agreed to disagree on core disputes while seeking collaboration on less contentious issues during their third round of political dialogue in Athens on Tuesday.

The meeting, led by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou and her Turkish counterpart Mehmet Kemal Bozay, marked an effort to balance persistent tensions with targeted cooperation.

While long-standing disputes – centered on maritime boundaries and territorial sovereignty – remain, the dialogue emphasized practical steps to build goodwill.

Both sides identified areas for mutual benefit, including support for each other’s candidates for two top posts at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Turkey endorsed Greece’s Mania Telalian for an OSCE human rights position, while Greece backed Feridun Sinirlioglu’s bid for secretary-general, with formal decisions expected at this week’s Malta summit.

Practical bilateral issues were also tackled. Discussions addressed removing bureaucratic hurdles for the reconstruction of Greece’s embassy in Ankara, which has been delayed for decades, and upgrading facilities at its consulate in Istanbul. These initiatives aim to foster positive momentum even as disagreements linger.

Broader regional concerns also featured prominently. Turkish officials underscored anxieties over Syria’s stability, highlighting potential security threats amid regional volatility. Talks additionally touched on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Preparations for the upcoming High-Level Cooperation Council meeting in Ankara were also discussed. The forum could provide an opportunity to address broader strategic cooperation.

However, signs of lingering discord persist. Ankara has continued to target Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias in its rhetoric, a move viewed as undermining trust.

Despite this, the two sides issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to explore avenues for bilateral and international cooperation.

This mixed outcome underscores the challenge of reconciling entrenched disputes with a desire for functional collaboration.

Source: pagenews.gr