Gerapetritis: Good relations with neighbours must be maintained
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries and reducing tensions arising from crises, while acknowledging that disagreements between states remain.
Speaking at the OT Forum held as part of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, Gerapetritis said defence has increasingly become an instrument of diplomacy and emphasized Greece's investments in its defence industry. He argued that the country's strength will ultimately depend on its defence capabilities.
Gerapetritis highlights Greece-Türkiye relations
Addressing relations between Greece and Türkiye over the past three years, Gerapetritis recalled the history of tensions and conflicts between the two countries and stressed the importance of maintaining calm during what he described as an extremely fragile period internationally.
He said that tensions should be managed and crises prevented from escalating, emphasizing the need to preserve stable relations between neighbouring countries despite differences.
Gerapetritis also said that the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf between Greece and Türkiye needs to be discussed, predicting that negotiations on the issue will be a lengthy process.
According to Gerapetritis, Greece considers the delimitation of the EEZ and continental shelf to be its sole dispute with Türkiye. He argued, however, that Türkiye approaches the issue together with a number of other matters.
“Calm waters” process based on structured dialogue
Gerapetritis described the period of relative calm between Greece and Türkiye that began with the Athens Declaration signed in December 2023 as a structured dialogue process.
He said the process has established communication channels between the two countries and contributed to maintaining stability in bilateral relations.
“Even when there are differences between countries, it is necessary to reduce tensions arising from crises and maintain good relations with our neighbours,” Gerapetritis said.
Greek and Turkish intelligence chiefs maintain cooperation
The Greek foreign minister also referred to a meeting between İbrahim Kalın, head of Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MİT), and Themistoklis Demiris, head of Greece's National Intelligence Service (EYP).
Gerapetritis said the two intelligence services maintain continuous cooperation and that the meeting between their chiefs had been planned for some time.
His remarks come as Greece and Türkiye continue diplomatic efforts to manage longstanding disputes while maintaining channels of communication and avoiding renewed escalation in bilateral relations.
