Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “Disagreements are real, but we seek normal relations with Türkiye”

Speaking to state broadcaster ERT following talks in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Mitsotakis emphasized that Athens is committed to reducing tensions while safeguarding national interests.

“Greece seeks neither tension nor stagnation. We are focused on a normal and functional relationship, grounded in our national interests,” Mitsotakis said.

Structured Dialogue Through High-Level Cooperation Council

The remarks came after the 6th session of the Greece–Türkiye High-Level Cooperation Council held in Ankara, where both sides addressed areas of convergence as well as persistent disputes.

Mitsotakis noted that disagreements between Athens and Ankara remain substantive, but stressed that differences are now being expressed with reference to international law and without escalating tensions.

The Greek premier described the current phase as a structured dialogue process aimed at managing disputes while expanding cooperation in selected fields.

Foreign Minister: Communication Channels Must Remain Open

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis echoed the Prime Minister’s position, underlining the importance of conducting bilateral engagement on the basis of international law.

He said confidence-building measures are contributing to the development of a functional good-neighborly relationship.

“We desire a normal relationship with Türkiye and will continue to keep communication channels open,” Gerapetritis stated.

A Balancing Act in Greek–Turkish Relations

The latest statements reflect a continued effort by both governments to stabilize relations following years of heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

While core disputes remain unresolved, Athens appears committed to a calibrated diplomatic approach—seeking predictability and de-escalation without compromising sovereign rights.