Turkish ambassador to Greece: Türkiye poses no threat to any neighbour
Türkiye's Ambassador to Athens, Çağatay Erciyes, has stated that Türkiye poses no threat to any of its neighbours, including Greece, and seeks peace, prosperity, stability and cooperation in the region while safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.
Erciyes made the remarks during a reception in Athens marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, hosted at the Turkish Embassy residence on October 29.
The event was attended by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, Greek civilian and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, academics and members of the Turkish community.
A video message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan marking Republic Day was also shown during the reception.
TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
In his address, Erciyes highlighted Türkiye's progress over the past 103 years in economic development, industry, education, science and technology, describing the country as a strong, confident and responsible member of the international community.
He said Türkiye pursued an active, multidimensional and principled foreign policy focused on promoting peace, stability and prosperity at both regional and global levels.
Addressing bilateral relations, the ambassador noted that dialogue between Türkiye and Greece had strengthened in recent years. Cooperation had also expanded in areas including trade, investment, tourism, culture, irregular migration and the fight against organised crime.
However, he acknowledged that progress had yet to be achieved in resolving longstanding bilateral disputes, particularly those concerning the Aegean Sea.
Erciyes reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to resolving outstanding issues through meaningful dialogue, international law and the principles of good neighbourly relations.
He also called for full use of the framework established by the 2023 Athens Declaration, which provides a basis for continued engagement between the two countries.
ERCIYES: BILATERAL ISSUES SHOULD BE RESOLVED THROUGH DIRECT DIALOGUE
The ambassador stressed that responsibility for resolving the fundamental disputes rested primarily with Türkiye and Greece, adding that third parties could contribute by encouraging direct dialogue and adopting a fair and balanced approach.
“Türkiye poses no threat to any of its neighbours, including Greece. While protecting its legitimate rights and interests, it seeks peace, prosperity, stability and cooperation in its region,” Erciyes said.
Referring to President Erdoğan's remarks in New York in September, the ambassador recalled the Turkish president's statement that Türkiye was not Greece's enemy but its neighbour and NATO ally.
Erdoğan had also emphasised that relations between the two countries were too delicate and important to be used as material for domestic election campaigns.
CALL TO OVERCOME PREJUDICES AND MISPERCEPTIONS
Erciyes also highlighted the importance of overcoming unfounded fears, prejudices and misconceptions about Türkiye in Greece.
He said the shared history of the two neighbouring countries should serve as an inspiration for friendship and cooperation rather than hostility.
The ambassador concluded by emphasising that the common interests of Türkiye and Greece, as neighbouring countries and NATO allies, lay in cooperation rather than confrontation.
Traditional Turkish dishes and desserts were served to guests during the reception.
