Mitsotakis: Greece and Türkiye Differ Only on EEZ and Continental Shelf

Speaking at the "Metapolitefsi 1974-2024: 50 Years of Greek Foreign Policy" conference on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf is the sole issue dividing Greece and Türkiye. "Any other issue Türkiye raises is not up for discussion," he stated, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

Mitsotakis announced an upcoming visit to Lebanon on Monday, describing it as a trip of special importance. On Greek-Turkish relations, he noted that despite six meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, progress on resolving their primary dispute remains elusive. "At this moment, I don't see this discussion as possible," he admitted, adding that no Greek prime minister, past or present, has held illusions about the challenges in dealing with Türkiye.

He highlighted strengthened European Council decisions shaping EU-Türkiye relations, while also acknowledging Türkiye’s complex geopolitical issues, including the situation in Syria. Stability in Syria, he argued, is critical for enabling refugee returns and holds significant importance for Greece.

Mitsotakis underscored Greece’s evolving global role, citing enhanced defense ties with the U.S., increased investment from American companies, and Greece's growing influence in fields like artificial intelligence. Regarding U.S. politics, he noted that while Donald Trump’s future actions remain unpredictable, Greece's traditional positions enjoy strong backing in Washington.

Responding to criticism of Europe’s involvement in the Ukraine war, Mitsotakis remarked, "How can Europe not be involved when the war is about Europe?"

He also highlighted Greece's strengthened global standing over the past five years, describing it as "economically and geopolitically stronger," with increased influence in Europe and new alliances, including a strategic relationship with India, which he called a rising superpower and key geopolitical player.