Discussions between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding their upcoming meeting, in Turkey, are reportedly at an advanced stage, according to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, who spoke on Greece’s public broadcaster ERT.
“I believe the talks are very advanced. The announcement of the exact date for the next meeting and the upcoming Supreme Cooperation Council between the two countries is just a matter of days,” Marinakis said.
Highlighting the prime minister’s approach, Marinakis emphasized that Mitsotakis has chosen the path of consistent dialogue during his tenure—a strategy that, far from diminishing Greece, has substantially strengthened it.
Continuing, Marinakis noted that Mitsotakis is the prime minister of landmark initiatives, including exclusive economic zones (EEZs) with Egypt and Italy, maritime spatial planning, and the procurement of Rafale and Belharra defense systems.
He stressed that through dialogue with Turkey, Greece has advanced its positions not only nationally but also for the broader West. Achievements include a collaborative response to the migration crisis, which has seen an 80% reduction in flows over six years, despite ongoing challenges south of Crete.
“The fact that we maintain good relations with Turkey, that airspace violations have effectively been eliminated, and that Greece now welcomes legitimate tourists rather than irregular migrants, are all significant outcomes,” Marinakis added.
The government spokesperson dismissed any notion of U.S. mediation in Greek-Turkish relations, emphasizing that it is not under consideration “not even as a discussion, not even as a theory.”
He clarified that the only remaining point of contention with Turkey is the delineation of EEZs and the continental shelf, without ever compromising sovereignty, based on international law. “When that moment comes, we will present our position, which remains consistent, timeless, and non-negotiable,” he said.
Referring to Mitsotakis’s recent statements at the European Council summit, Marinakis underscored that Greece remains “at the heart and soul of Europe,” defending its sovereignty and international law while deepening its strategic partnership with the United States.
He highlighted two key topics addressed by the prime minister in Brussels: Greenland and the Peace Council. Regarding Greenland, Mitsotakis reaffirmed that no action can take place without the consent of the Kingdom of Denmark, underlining that Greenland is European territory.
Regarding broader U.S. concerns about the Arctic, Marinakis stressed that these issues must be discussed without compromising international law or the sovereignty of a recognized state—a stance he said has been validated by recent U.S. presidential statements.
On the Peace Council, Marinakis noted that the 13 invited European states—including Greece—emphasized the discussion should focus solely on peace in Gaza. Mitsotakis proposed that this be a condition for participation, allowing these nations to engage meaningfully in the delicate discussions surrounding the region.
