Greece maintains direct channels with Türkiye, says foreign ministry
Greece continues to manage its relations with Türkiye strictly on a bilateral basis, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou said on Tuesday, highlighting that the two countries have maintained “a working relationship” and open communication channels for the past 2.5 years to prevent tensions.
Responding to comments by US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack about Washington’s intention to act as a “bridge” between the two neighbours, Zochiou noted that while Greece welcomes international interest in regional stability, “no third-party initiative has been undertaken, nor has any such proposal been submitted to Greece.”
Zochiou also outlined Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis’ agenda, including his participation in the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Brussels. Referring to the US proposal for peace in Ukraine, she stressed that any plan must involve Ukraine directly, respect its territorial integrity, and include the EU, given its vested interests.
She added that no bilateral meetings are scheduled between Gerapetritis and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Brussels or Vienna, where the OSCE Ministerial Council meets on December 4–5. The next rounds of the positive agenda and political dialogue with Türkiye are expected in early 2026 but remain unscheduled.
Zochiou also said a date has yet to be set for the next US–Greece Strategic Dialogue, and no visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Athens is currently planned.
