Gerapetritis: Erdogan’s Reference to International Law a ‘Huge Added Value’ for Greece-Turkey Relations

In the first assessment of the Mitsotakis–Erdogan summit at the “White Palace” in Bestepe, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized that the Turkish President’s explicit reference to international law as a framework for resolving disputes is a “huge added value” for bilateral relations.

“We want a normal relationship with Turkey,” Gerapetritis noted, highlighting that geography is fixed and that tensions must be addressed with composure. According to the minister, the meeting reaffirmed the need for stable communication, while past tensions have been successfully managed, with violations in the Aegean now nearly zero, “without any compromise or sacrifice.”

Despite significant progress in improving relations and fostering good neighborliness, Gerapetritis stressed that sovereignty issues remain off the table. Specifically regarding the continental shelf and maritime zones, the Greek diplomacy does not consider it yet the right time to “take the next step.”

The discussion on lifting the Turkish casus belli, the minister emphasized, is not rhetorical: “It concerns anything that constitutes a threat to our country’s sovereignty.” The Greek side remains firmly committed to the Law of the Sea and international law, setting clear boundaries and conditions for any future negotiations.

The meeting also addressed trade, migration, civil protection, and culture, strengthening the framework of bilateral cooperation that can prevent potential crises. Asked about U.S. mediation, Gerapetritis clarified that “any issues will be resolved by ourselves.”

On February 16, the Foreign Minister will brief the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense on the summit and the Sixth Supreme Cooperation Council between Greece and Turkey, sending a message of continuity in strategic dialogue and regional stability.

Through decisive diplomacy, a clear policy line, and engagement with the international community, Greece seeks to turn challenges into opportunities for security, stability, and structured dialogue with its neighbor.