Crisis De-escalation… Erdogan: Turkey doesn’t see Greece as an enemy or adversary
As part of the crisis de-escalation policy initiated by Ankara nearly two years ago, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his country “has never regarded its neighbor Greece as an enemy or adversary, and there are no problems with its neighbors that cannot be solved.”
This statement came in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini regarding the relations between Ankara and Athens ahead of an official visit to Greece planned for Thursday, according to the Turkish news agency.
Erdogan referred to several outstanding issues between Turkey and Greece, emphasizing that both countries are aware of them. However, allowing or preventing these issues from causing tension between the governments and the people is also in the hands of both countries.
He clarified that he recently spoke in this context about “turning a new page” and the principle of “win-win” in the relations between Turkey and Greece.
He emphasized that the “win-win” principle is fundamentally rooted in the approach that Turkey follows in international and diplomatic relations.
Erdogan stressed that addressing disputes through dialogue and finding common ground will benefit everyone. He noted that Turkey and Greece have recently gained positive momentum in shaping their relations within this approach.
He added, “Dialogue channels between us are open, and we work at all levels. Our reciprocal visits are also intensive, and we have the desire to develop our cooperation in many important areas for our countries and our region based on mutual trust.”
He continued, “Now, it is the responsibility of both parties to enhance this approach, give it an institutional character, and elevate it further.”
He expressed belief that “Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also has the same will”.
Erdogan mentioned that this common intention will be clearly reflected thanks to the announcement related to friendly relations and good neighborliness, which is planned to be signed in Athens on Thursday.
He affirmed that Turkey has never considered its neighbor Greece as an enemy or adversary: “Like all countries, we also need friends, not enemies.”
He continued, stating that the Turkish Republic, established on the basis of tolerance and embracing other cultures, continues to work today with a system that protects its endowment institutions and rights, carrying them into the future. He pointed out that the endowment owning the Hagia Sophia Mosque is still in place to this day.
Regarding illegal migration, Erdogan pointed out the increasing global migration movement due to various reasons, mainly political instability, leading to the proliferation of criminal networks that exploit it and achieve very high gains from illegal migration.
He added, “I say it again; a state cannot combat illegal migration alone”, pointing out that it is a common test for countries that requires joint efforts.
He emphasized the necessity of the European Union’s support for Turkey in this matter, confirming that it is essential to share burdens and responsibilities and take joint steps to prevent migration at its source.
He asserted that combating migration should not be limited to cooperation between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean Sea, but there is a need for a comprehensive struggle that requires the participation of the entire international community.
