Greece and Turkey: talks at the highest level
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed several agreements at a long-postponed meeting in Ankara on Wednesday, although territorial tensions in the Aegean Sea and the unresolved Cyprus question continue to strain the bilateral relations. The Greek press sees positive signs but stresses that the situation between the two countries remains delicate.
Only strong partners can benefit
It's in Greece's interest to negotiate with Turkey, news website Liberal explains:
“Let's remember that Germany and France were once archenemies and are now the two key allies who jointly lead Europe. Greece and Turkey cannot promise anything comparable at this stage. But both countries have everything to gain from improved relations. With responsible political leadership, Greece can protect its vital interests. If that happens, everything else will be easier. Otherwise, the weak will become easy prey for predators. But under Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece is not weak.”
Misotakis sticking to his guns
Eleftheros Typos also praises the Greek Prime Minister:
“Never before has a Greek Prime Minister so clearly and unequivocally demanded the removal of the casus belli during a visit to Turkey [Ankara has considered any extension of Greek territorial waters to be a cause for war since 1995]. Neither his predecessors, who criticise him, nor anyone else has ever taken such a step, and this shows how important it is for Greece to continue discussions with Turkey without making the tiniest concessions and always asserting its justified claims. However the isolation that some preach has done no one any good.”