Three years ago, Greek-Turkish relations were at a low point, with Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly exclaiming “Mitsotakis yok,” after years of intense confrontation both in the Aegean with the Oruc Reis and in Evros during the migration crisis.

Since then, however, much water has flowed under the bridge. Greek-Turkish relations have normalized despite several flare-ups and fluctuations, and we have reached the point where Tayyip Erdogan referred to Kyriakos Mitsotakis as “my valuable friend” during their joint statements, while the body language in meetings between officials of the two countries conveyed familiarity.

At the same time, on central streets of Ankara there was a large banner featuring a photo of Mr. Mitsotakis and Mr. Erdogan from a previous meeting, bearing the inscription “Welcome Mr. Prime Minister.” Who would have imagined it not long ago…

Obviously, Greece and Turkey are not friendly countries, nor are they likely to become so in the immediate future. However, the two leaders, recognizing the turbulent geopolitical environment, do not wish to add another problem to the agenda, namely a field of tension in bilateral relations. For this reason, as stated in the joint communiqué signed by Mr. Mitsotakis and Mr. Erdogan, it was agreed that channels of communication and de-escalation mechanisms will exist at all levels, so that disagreements do not evolve into crises.

In this context, it is noteworthy that the Prime Minister’s new diplomatic adviser, Ambassador Katerina Nasika, also came to Ankara, where she was introduced to her new counterparts, taking over from Ambassador Milton Nikolaidis, who is retiring and will assume our embassy in Paris.

If there is a time-related goal, at least initially, it is to maintain a clear horizon until the Greek elections, as it is well known that Greek-Turkish relations are not governed by certainties. In any case, the period of calm following the Athens Declaration—which was referred to in yesterday’s joint communiqué as a milestone for bilateral relations—appears capable of being extended, despite periodic turbulence.

Open discussion

According to competent sources with excellent knowledge of what took place during the 90-minute one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, all issues were put on the table. These included, of course, Aegean matters, maritime spatial planning, marine parks, NAVTEX notices, and from the Turkish side the SAFE issue. The message being conveyed, however, is that the two countries can discuss points of divergence without this leading to tensions.

In this framework, it is also of particular interest that Mr. Erdogan expressed his view that the Greek-Turkish dispute can be resolved on the basis of international law—something Turkey does not usually state, typically invoking good neighborly relations as a basis for discussion.

At the same time, a careful analysis of the press conference shows that it was an extremely carefully staged and choreographed visit. The two leaders did not deviate one inch from the text in front of them, no questions were asked, Mr. Erdogan did not respond to Mr. Mitsotakis’ reply to his remarks regarding the Muslim minority in Thrace, the SAFE program, and Israel.

It is worth noting that Mr. Mitsotakis picked up on Mr. Erdogan’s reference to Greece’s role in the UN Security Council, stating that Greece remains committed to a two-state solution regarding Israel and the Palestinians. Mr. Erdogan not only did not respond but even applauded the Greek Prime Minister’s statements at the end, prompting both delegations to move on to the dinner prepared in an adjacent hall.

The ministers who participated in the High-Level Cooperation Council also told protothema.gr that the atmosphere was excellent and the logic was to highlight points of convergence so that these would overshadow the known differences and disagreements between the two countries. It was no coincidence, moreover, that the Turkish Presidency chose to precede the statements with the exchange of folders containing the agreements and the applause of those present. In the ministers’ one-on-one meetings as well, the atmosphere was excellent and cooperative, with several agreeing to exchange visits in the coming period.

For example, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos and Turkish Industry Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır agreed that the Turkish minister would visit Athens in September, to be followed by the Greek minister. Likewise, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, after receiving congratulations from the Turkish ministers and Mr. Erdogan for assuming the presidency of the Eurogroup, agreed with his counterpart Mr. Simsek to hold two business forums in the coming period—one in Istanbul and one in Athens under the auspices of the finance ministries—to advance cooperation with the “milestone” goal of 10 billion dollars in bilateral trade.

Kebab and cordiality

This atmosphere, recorded during the private meeting, the expanded High-Level Cooperation Council meeting, and the statements, continued at the dinner hosted by Mr. Erdogan, attended by Patriarch Bartholomew as well as a number of prominent Greek and Turkish business figures.

Music obviously helps and, as at other similar dinners, the Turkish Presidency had arranged for an orchestra, which mainly played traditional music but at one point also performed “Teli, teli kalpike dounia,” by Manos Loizos, first sung by Haris Alexiou. The abundant table likely helped as well, featuring beef ribs, urfa kebab, lamb chops, and a finale of walnut baklava and other Turkish sweets.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Tayyip Erdogan, who were seated at the same table as Mr. Bartholomew, had the opportunity to relax. It is said that they spoke little about agenda items and focused more on family matters and their international obligations, like two leaders making small talk after the conclusion of official duties. It remains unclear when they will meet again bilaterally; however, Mr. Mitsotakis will travel to Ankara as scheduled on July 7 and 8 for the NATO Summit, as Turkey is this year’s host country.