Mitsotakis, Erdogan likely to meet April 8
Athens and Ankara are in the final stages of confirming the date for a crucial summit between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with April 8 emerging as the most likely date for the meeting.
The summit, which will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, will also address several key issues affecting both countries, including ongoing territorial disputes, energy matters, and regional cooperation.
Both the Greek and Turkish governments have tentatively agreed to the April 8 date, although the final confirmation will depend on a few remaining discussions.
The two leaders are expected to meet in Ankara, where they will also likely address issues stemming from recent political developments in the region.
Greece’s foreign minister, George Gerapetritis, and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, are currently in Geneva for multilateral talks related to the Cyprus dispute.
While these discussions are vital, the summit between Mitsotakis and Erdogan is expected to center primarily on their bilateral relationship.
The prospect of a meeting between the Greek and Turkish leaders highlights the importance of maintaining diplomatic momentum, especially given the shifting regional dynamics.
Greece has made moves to advance energy cooperation, such as the electrical interconnection project with Cyprus, while Turkiye has been strengthening its relations with the European Union.
Meanwhile, Athens is closely monitoring developments in Libya, where the government in Tripoli announced on March 3 that it had begun an offshore and onshore oil exploration bidding process. Of particular interest to Greece are the newly mapped offshore blocks, which respect the median line set by Greek maritime law.
This development marks a significant step forward, as it does not challenge Greece’s territorial rights in the region, contrary to the Turkish-Libyan agreement.
Despite the encouraging signs, Greece remains cautious. Given Libya’s political instability, Athens is taking a measured approach to the situation while carefully evaluating its implications for regional energy resources and international law. As discussions between Mitsotakis and Erdogan loom, the outcome of these talks will have far-reaching consequences for both countries and the broader Mediterranean region.
Kathimerini
