Dialogue between Greece and Türkiye: Hope for peace despite differences

Dialogue between Greece and Türkiye: Hope for peace despite differences

In a decisive meeting between the top politicians of Türkiye and Greece in Athens, a strong sign of dialogue was set! Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Greek colleague George Gerapetritis hugged and emphasized the need to continue the discussions about long -term issues that the two neighbors have brought to the brink of war in the past. "We have to take advantage of the historical opportunity and make the positive climate between our countries permanently," Fidan called out during a joint press conference.

The tensions between the two countries focus primarily on the Aegean Sea, where Greece and Turkey each raise area claims in a controversial area. Greece wants to expand its territorial waters to 22 kilometers, while Turkey warns that this could lead to conflicts. In the eastern Mediterranean there are also disputes over exclusive economic zone that are crucial for the development of oil and other resources. Despite the unresolved main problems, there is a positive mood, and both ministers discussed what could be accepted in an application to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

migration and humanitarian challenges

Another central topic is migration. Greece calls for turkey to take tugs harder. On the Greek island of Samos, a crowded camp that was originally designed for 3,500 migrants and refugees is now occupied by over 4,000 people. Reports from humanitarian helpers show that the conditions are catastrophic, with crowded rooms and unsanitary sanitary facilities. "We sleep on the floor because there are not enough beds," complains a resident of the warehouse.

The conversations between Fidan and Gerapetritis are a step in the right direction to defuse the decades of tensions. Experts emphasize that the political willingness to solve these complex problems is now available, which makes cooperation between the two countries essential. "The time for cooperation is now," said Vehbi Baysan, assistant professor at the IBN Haldun University in Turkey.