Greece and Turkey Explore Maritime Talks

ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece and Turkey will explore the possibility of starting talks to demarcate their maritime zones, according to Greece's foreign ministry on Wednesday.

The two neighboring countries, both NATO allies but historical rivals, have been involved in disputes for decades over various issues ranging from airspace to maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean and the ethnically divided Cyprus.

Determining the boundaries of their maritime zones is crucial for establishing rights over potential gas reserves and power infrastructure projects.

Tensions have lessened in recent years, leading both countries to agree last year to rejuvenate their relations, committing to keep communication channels open and address the issues separating them.

Recently, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, discussing bilateral relations, as stated by representatives from both the Turkish presidency and the Greek foreign ministry.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis reported that, "The two leaders tasked the foreign ministers to explore whether conditions are favorable for initiating discussions regarding the demarcation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone."

Preparations for a high-level meeting in Ankara scheduled for January will be initiated by the foreign ministers of the two nations, as announced by the Greek prime minister's office.