Greece and Turkey to Explore Maritime Zone Talks

ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece and Turkey will explore whether they can start talks aimed at demarcating their maritime zones, Greece’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies but historic foes, have been at odds for decades over various issues, ranging from airspace to maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean and ethnic divisions in Cyprus.

An agreement on the beginning and end of their maritime zones is crucial for determining rights over potential gas reserves and energy infrastructure projects.

In recent years, tensions have eased, and both countries reestablished their relations last year, committing to maintain open channels of communication and address issues that have historically divided them.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met during the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, discussing bilateral relations, according to statements from both the Turkish presidency and the Greek foreign ministry.

“The two leaders tasked the foreign ministers to explore whether conditions are favorable to initiate discussions on the demarcation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone,” said Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.

Foreign ministers from both nations will begin preparations for a high-level meeting scheduled to take place in Ankara in January, as stated by the Greek prime minister’s office.