Historic Summit in Ankara: Mitsotakis and Erdoğan Discuss Bilateral Relations Amidst Greek Scrutiny
Ankara, February 12 – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to Ankara yesterday for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was closely monitored by the Greek media. The meeting, which concluded with the signing of a joint declaration, saw Erdoğan emphasize the importance of open dialogue channels between the two neighboring and allied nations. Despite the positive tone, reactions from Athens were mixed, with a particular ‘rosary’ detail drawing significant attention.
The critical meeting was extensively covered across Greek headlines, with media outlets providing minute-by-minute updates.
Erdoğan’s ‘SAFE’ Reminder and Mitsotakis’s Stance
Greek news outlet ProNews interpreted President Erdoğan’s statement – “As Turkey, we believe it is in our common interest to participate in the defense initiatives recently launched in Europe” – as a firm declaration of Ankara’s resolve to join the European Union’s SAFE defense program. This was juxtaposed with earlier statements by Mitsotakis to the Greek press on the same issue.
The report suggested that while Mitsotakis had previously vowed to veto Turkey’s participation in the SAFE program, his apparent hesitation to comment on the matter during the Ankara meeting, particularly after Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s determination, led to speculation that he had ‘lowered his sails’.
A Time to Eliminate Threats, a Historic Day
Protothema, another Greek publication, ran with the headline “It’s time to eliminate all threats,” reporting that the meeting between the two leaders took place in a positive atmosphere and lasted for a full hour and a half. The article highlighted the message of cooperation and hope that emerged from Ankara.
Athens-based news channel One described the day as historic, quoting International Relations Professor Dimitris Triantafyllou, who commented, “Today is one of those historic days. The goodwill and political will for cooperation between the two countries are bringing Ankara and Athens closer.”
Mitsotakis ‘At a Loss for Words’ Before Erdoğan
However, not all reactions were positive. Zoe Konstantopoulou, leader of the Greek Freedom Course Party, speaking to Diaforetiko, offered sharp criticism of Mitsotakis’s visit. Konstantopoulou stated, “I am truly ashamed and angry at the current appearance of the government and Prime Minister Mitsotakis in Turkey. Ignoring issues discussed for months in Parliament, he failed to remind Turkey of Athens’ red lines and was at a loss for words before Erdoğan. He must be held accountable for this. Moreover, he did not utter a single word about the genocide committed against Palestinians. I call out to Mitsotakis: The king is naked, and we all know your government will soon come to an end.”
The Intriguing ‘Rosary’ Detail
Newsit, a Greek news source, focused less on the official statements and more on the behind-the-scenes interactions. The report noted Mitsotakis’s warm reception upon his arrival in Turkey and described the meeting as a friendly one-and-a-half-hour discussion. It was observed that Patriarch Bartholomew was also present, and Erdoğan, Mitsotakis, and Bartholomew engaged in a conversation about rosaries. The report also mentioned that the dinner hosted in Mitsotakis’s honor featured both Turkish and Greek delicacies, concluding, “All this once again showed that we are neighbors from the same neighborhood.”
Turkish Power Cannot Be Ignored
Greek channel Action 24, in an article titled “Athens tries to gain time in Ankara,” commented, “We hope this positive dialogue is not a dream. Greece cannot ignore Turkish power in the region. Today, while both sides presented their intentions, Turkey’s determination was once again evident.”
Calm Waters in the Aegean
Finally, Kathimerini, a leading Greek newspaper, reported that “the two leaders conveyed a message of calm waters in the Aegean in Ankara, emphasizing that there would be no insoluble problems. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the intention to keep communication channels open and maintain contact, at a time when both sides are seeking stability and trying to avoid new tensions.”
Background of the Meeting
Mitsotakis made an official visit to Turkey on Wednesday, where he was received by President Erdoğan. The Greek leader stated, “These meetings show us all how important and valuable good neighborly relations and dialogue are.” President Erdoğan, in turn, expressed his belief that “as two neighbors and allies, we must keep dialogue channels open with Greece, based on an understanding of cooperation.”
During the summit, seven agreements and a joint declaration were signed between the two countries.
Source: milliyet.com.tr
