Özay Şendir’s striking analysis on Türkiye-Greece elations
Milliyet Newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief Özay Şendir wrote a compelling column on March 7, 2025, analyzing Türkiye-Greece relations, the U.S. military presence in Alexandroupoli (Dedeağaç), and the stance of Greek domestic politics toward Türkiye. Şendir highlighted the diplomatic steps taken between the two countries and their reflections in the media and public opinion, emphasizing the importance of dialogue.
U.S. Presence in Alexandroupoli and Perceptions of Türkiye
In his column, Şendir addressed the debates on whether there is a U.S. military base in Alexandroupoli. Referring to his conversation with Kathimerini Newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief Alexis Papachelas, he noted that the Alexandroupoli Port is actively used by the U.S. According to 2023 data, seven U.S. ships arrived in the region, facilitating the transfer of 296 soldiers, 4,800 vehicles, and 19 helicopters to NATO countries in Eastern Europe.
Şendir pointed out that this development could neutralize Türkiye’s potential strategy of closing the Bosporus Strait in a conflict scenario. He also reminded that, according to the updated U.S.-Greece military agreement in 2021, the Yanoulis military camp in the Evros (Meriç) region is open to U.S. troop deployments, though this has not yet happened.
Diplomatic Steps Between Türkiye and Greece
Şendir emphasized that the exchange of birthday calls between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis created a significant buzz in the Greek media. He underlined that the dialogue established between Athens and Ankara is crucial for dispelling misconceptions.
Referring to Mitsotakis' expected visit to Türkiye in April, Şendir highlighted the positive atmosphere in the Greek press and suggested that this process could signal a new era in bilateral relations.
PASOK’s Türkiye Policy and a Call to CHP
Şendir also analyzed the stance of Greek political parties toward Türkiye. He pointed out that despite being a left-wing party in rhetoric, PASOK follows a nationalist line regarding Türkiye. Addressing CHP leader Özgür Özel, he urged the opposition to clearly convey Türkiye’s national interests to Greek political actors.
He noted that in the past, CHP had sent mixed signals to Athens, creating a perception in Greece that if CHP came to power, Türkiye might back down on issues concerning the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. He emphasized that PASOK and SYRIZA should be made aware that Türkiye’s stance is a matter of state policy, not just leadership preferences.
A New Era in Türkiye-EU Relations
Şendir stressed the significance of diplomatic efforts between the two countries at a time when Türkiye-EU relations could be entering a new phase. He highlighted the trust between the Turkish and Greek foreign ministers, the active diplomacy conducted by embassies, and the crucial role of the Greek Consulate in Istanbul, especially in visa-related matters.
Finally, he noted that Mitsotakis' recognition of the importance of conducting bilateral relations with Türkiye without involving third parties presents a valuable opportunity. Şendir concluded that a period where both nations could benefit through dialogue is on the horizon.
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