In a significant development, Greece and Turkey are exploring the possibility of initiating discussions to define their maritime boundaries, as announced by Greece’s foreign ministry today.
Despite being neighboring countries and NATO allies, Greece and Turkey have a long-standing history of disputes over various issues, including airspace and maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the situation in Cyprus.
Defining their maritime zones is crucial in determining each country’s rights over potential gas reserves and energy infrastructure projects in the region.
Recent years have seen a decrease in tensions between the two nations, with both sides committing to improving their relationship and addressing longstanding issues.
During a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and agreed to task their foreign ministers with exploring the possibility of starting negotiations on the delineation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.
Preparations are now underway for a high-level meeting scheduled to take place in Ankara in January, according to the Greek prime minister’s office.
This potential breakthrough in Greek-Turkish relations could have far-reaching implications for the stability and economic development of the region, as well as for international energy markets.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
Analysis:
The announcement of Greece and Turkey considering talks on maritime zone demarcation marks a significant step towards resolving longstanding disputes between the two countries. By defining their maritime boundaries, Greece and Turkey can establish their rights over potential gas reserves and energy projects in the eastern Mediterranean. This development has the potential to improve regional stability and could also impact international energy markets. As this situation continues to evolve, it is essential to monitor further developments and their potential implications on geopolitics and the economy.