Fidan: Mitsotakis–Erdoğan meeting planned for February

Speaking at a briefing meeting with representatives of national and international media organizations in Istanbul, Minister Fidan confirmed that preparations are underway for a high-level meeting in Ankara.

Responding to a question on whether the Erdoğan–Mitsotakis meeting could take place in mid-February, Fidan said, “Yes, that is under consideration. We are working on it.”

Fidan stated that he discussed the issue with Prime Minister Mitsotakis during the Leaders’ Summit of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, held in Paris, noting that dates are currently being coordinated and that President Erdoğan is eager to hold the meeting as soon as possible.

Call for Resolving Long-Standing Aegean Disputes

Highlighting the importance of comprehensive dialogue to resolve long-standing issues in Turkish-Greek relations, particularly those related to the Aegean Sea, Fidan referred to President Erdoğan’s vision regarding the resolution of disputes over territorial waters and the continental shelf.

“Domestic political dynamics in Greece do not provide much room for any political leader to resolve this issue and put their signature under such an agreement,” Fidan said, recalling that Türkiye has repeatedly expressed its readiness to resolve the disputes.

Fidan noted that a level of political maturity exists within Türkiye on this issue, while in Greece, the perception of Türkiye as a threat continues to play a mobilizing role in domestic politics.

“In Greece, whenever someone attempts to take a constructive step regarding Türkiye, there is inevitably a political cost,” he said.

According to Fidan, Greek political leaders often face a choice between bringing peace to the region by resolving disputes with Türkiye and risking their own political careers, with the latter frequently deterring meaningful progress.

Confidence-Building Measures and Regional Stability

Fidan emphasized the need to implement confidence-building measures, encourage people-to-people contact, and avoid using unfounded issues as tools of domestic political debate.

He also pointed out that tensions between the two countries have decreased over the past two years compared to previous periods, and that cooperation has continued, particularly on migration issues.

Calling for decisive action, Fidan urged both sides not to waste what he described as a historic opportunity to achieve a permanent resolution of disputes in the Aegean Sea.

Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)