Greek-Turkish Relations: A Catalyst for Peace in Cyprus?

Improving relations between Greece and Turkey could aid U.N. efforts to revive peace talks between the divided communities of Cyprus, according to Greece's Foreign Minister. The Greek and Turkish leaders are set to discuss this potential at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Improved Greek-Turkish relations could bolster U.N. efforts to revive peace talks between Cyprus' divided communities, Greece's Foreign Minister noted ahead of a New York meeting between the leaders of Greece and Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who last met during a NATO summit in Washington in July, will discuss the potential for renewed negotiations during the United Nations General Assembly.

Despite being NATO allies, Greece and Turkey have a long history of disputes over issues ranging from airspace to maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as over the ethnically divided Cyprus. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis acknowledged past setbacks but emphasized the strong political will to de-escalate tensions and establish conflict-moderation mechanisms at the ministerial level.

In recent years, tensions have eased and both nations have committed to maintaining open lines of communication, implementing military confidence-building measures, and working on issues of mutual interest such as trade, tourism, health, and migration. Gerapetritis expressed moderate optimism about the resumption of U.N.-mediated negotiations between the rival Cypriot communities, highlighting that improved Greek-Turkish relations create a constructive environment for dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)