ISTANBUL – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Greece for discussions aimed at resolving longstanding bilateral issues, including disputes over maritime zones and airspace, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday.
Returning from a visit to Serbia, Erdogan expressed optimism about improving relations between the two nations, which have been at odds for decades. “I believe the relations between the two countries are advancing towards better days,” he said, emphasizing the importance of mutual dialogue and cooperation.
The visit comes as Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies but historical rivals, have faced ongoing disputes on a range of issues including airspace rights, maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, and the divided island of Cyprus. Erdogan noted that both sides must demonstrate the will to clearly define problems, present their content, and work toward finding solutions.
Erdogan also underscored the significance of demarcating maritime and airspace jurisdictions in accordance with international law, stressing that security, stability, and a reduction in conflict risk in the region could only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.