Turkey’s ambassador to Greece has delivered a positive message on relations between the two neighboring countries, stressing that communication channels between Athens and Ankara remain open and functional despite longstanding differences.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Athens during the Posidonia 2026 international maritime exhibition, Ambassador Çağatay Erciyes said that Greece and Turkey have demonstrated over the past three years that dialogue, cooperation and progress are possible even when unresolved issues remain.

According to the ambassador, continuous contact and mutual efforts have helped create a framework that enables both countries to address challenges while expanding areas of cooperation. He noted that the communication channels between the two capitals remain active and effective.

Erciyes also referred to the commitment of the leaders of both countries to maintain and strengthen the ongoing rapprochement process. He said this commitment was reaffirmed during the latest meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council, which took place in Ankara in February.

“The progress achieved in recent years has created a valuable foundation for dialogue, cooperation, mutual benefit and understanding,” he said, expressing confidence that the positive climate in Greece-Turkey relations will continue in the coming period.

The ambassador also linked bilateral relations to economic cooperation, emphasizing the potential of the maritime sectors of both countries to contribute significantly to a bilateral trade target of $10 billion. The goal has been set by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Erciyes highlighted maritime transport, shipbuilding, ports, logistics services and the broader shipping industry as areas where Greece and Turkey could further strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit.