The day after the canceled meeting in New York – Mitsotakis’ messages to Ankara

Although it is excessively aboriginal to gully steadfast conclusions astir wherefore the Turkish broadside requested a “postponement,” speculation remains. Ankara cited Erdoğan’s information successful a gathering of Muslim leaders with erstwhile U.S. President Donald Trump. Yet Athens does not regularisation retired the anticipation of 2nd thoughts wrong Erdoğan’s team, peculiarly since, aft the gathering was arranged, the Turkish president received the highly important invitation from Trump to conscionable astatine the White House.

Mitsotakis: Open Channels, but No Concessions

Speaking with Wall Street Journal exertion Emma Tucker, Mitsotakis acknowledged the superior challenges successful Greek-Turkish relations. Still, helium stressed the value of dialogue:

“These were not ever casual meetings, but I person ever supported keeping unfastened lines of connection with Turkey and addressing problems openly,” helium said, noting that helium has already met Erdoğan 7 times arsenic premier minister.

On the contented of Chevron’s introduction into exploration southbound of Crete, Mitsotakis was categorical:

“We person thing to sermon with Turkey. We are exercising our sovereign rights southbound of Crete, this is recognized by Chevron, and we volition proceed down that path,” helium said, adding pointedly: “If what we are doing causes immoderate discomfort to Turkey, truthful beryllium it. C’est la vie, arsenic the French would say.”

Greek Diplomacy: Dialogue Must Continue

Earlier, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis struck a akin tone, emphasizing that “there is nary question of halting dialogue.” He noted that a structured model present exists betwixt Greece and Turkey, allowing connection and helping to forestall crises. He besides predicted that “there volition beryllium an accidental successful the adjacent aboriginal for the 2 leaders to meet.”

The government’s strategy aims to forestall the canceled gathering from becoming a large setback that could deepen mistrust and suspicion astatine a clip erstwhile Greek-Turkish rapprochement already faces superior challenges.

Erdoğan’s Calculations

Analysts suggest Erdoğan whitethorn person avoided the gathering with Mitsotakis to support his representation earlier his White House visit. Raising disputes with Greece—over territorial sovereignty, Cyprus, oregon threats against U.S. vigor interests specified arsenic ExxonMobil and Chevron—could person undermined the connection helium wants to task successful Washington.

The result of Erdoğan’s talks with U.S. President Trump is expected to signifier his adjacent moves, not lone for Greek-Turkish relations but besides for Turkey’s broader ambitions. Ankara hopes to reset bilateral ties with Washington, region sanctions and arms embargoes, and unafraid a relation successful shaping the region’s caller information architecture.