ATHENS — Greece and Turkey are set to explore the possibility of initiating talks to demarcate their maritime zones, Greece’s foreign ministry announced on Wednesday. The move is seen as a potential step toward resolving long-standing tensions between the two NATO allies over issues such as maritime jurisdiction, airspace, and the divided island of Cyprus.
Both countries have clashed for decades over territorial rights in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding access to potential gas reserves and power infrastructure. However, relations have improved recently, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York earlier this week to discuss bilateral ties.
The two leaders have tasked their foreign ministers with assessing the conditions for potential discussions on the delimitation of their continental shelf and exclusive economic zones. Preparations are also underway for a high-level meeting between the countries, set to take place in Ankara in January 2025.