Avramopoulos supports dialogue ahead of Mitsotakis-Erdoğan meeting
Former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos emphasized the importance of dialogue between Greece and Turkiye, even under difficult circumstances, ahead of the upcoming meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Speaking on ERTnews, Avramopoulos stressed that such meetings are not symbolic but serve a concrete purpose in advancing bilateral relations. “It is far more constructive for the two leaders to talk than to remain in the sphere of public statements or confrontation,” he said, highlighting the benefits of direct communication over diplomatic posturing.
Avramopoulos underlined that Prime Minister Mitsotakis will attend the talks with a clear agenda and firm stance. “No Greek prime minister would go to such a meeting to negotiate national sovereignty or make concessions. The agenda focuses solely on maritime boundaries, including the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones, while other issues remain off the table,” he noted.
The former commissioner also pointed out the broader geopolitical context. Turkiye’s role in the region has strengthened in recent years, and recent visits by EU officials signal a renewed European interest in engagement with Ankara. “Greece represents the EU’s interests in the region. Through this position, we can address our own concerns while supporting broader European objectives,” Avramopoulos said.
He expressed confidence that the meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdoğan would help restore constructive dialogue and improve the atmosphere between the two countries, recalling the positive climate of 2019.
