Türkiye’s August 30 reception held in Athens
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Athens Çağatay Erciyes hosted a reception at the Turkish Embassy residence in Athens to mark August 30 Victory Day, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation between Türkiye and Greece.
Ambassador Erciyes and his wife, Hala Erciyes, welcomed guests alongside Military and Naval Attaché Senior Colonel Dr. Ünsal Başak and First Counsellor Şahika Deniz Hançer.
Erciyes highlights Türkiye-Greece relations
In his opening remarks, Erciyes read a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed to Türkiye’s diplomatic missions on the occasion of Victory Day.
The ambassador recalled that August 30 marked the restoration of peace in Türkiye following years of war and helped pave the way toward the Treaty of Lausanne, which opened a new chapter in Turkish-Greek relations.
Against the backdrop of growing uncertainty and complex challenges across the wider region, Erciyes stressed that Türkiye and Greece have an important responsibility to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity.
“As close neighbors and NATO allies, geography connects us. Our common interests are much greater than our differences,” Erciyes said.
Acknowledging the existence of a number of unresolved issues between the two countries, he argued that disagreements between neighboring states do not necessarily have to become a permanent source of tension.
Call for dialogue based on international law
Erciyes expressed his belief that the disputes between Türkiye and Greece can be addressed through sincere and meaningful dialogue based on international law and good-neighborly relations.
He also emphasized the importance of mutual respect for each country’s legitimate and vital interests as part of efforts to resolve bilateral issues.
The ambassador’s remarks come as Ankara and Athens continue diplomatic engagement aimed at maintaining communication and preventing disagreements from escalating into broader tensions.
Moment of silence for maritime disaster victims
A minute of silence was also observed during the reception for those who lost their lives after a passenger vessel capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The reception brought together diplomatic representatives, officials and guests in Athens to mark Türkiye’s August 30 Victory Day.
