Ukraine war: Turkey and Greece agree to improve ties amid Ukraine conflict

Both countries have roles to play in the security situation in Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and cooperation would benefit the region, Turkey said

Turkey shares a maritime border with both Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, has good relations with both countries and has offered to mediate in the conflict

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, right, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on March 13. Photo: Turkish Presidency via AP

Published: 12:56am, 14 Mar 2022

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis agreed in talks on Sunday to improve ties, despite the long-running disagreements between the two Nato members, Ankara said.

Both countries have important roles to play in the changing security situation in Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and their increased cooperation would have benefits for the region, the Turkish presidency said in a statement.

Turkey shares a maritime border with both Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, has good relations with both countries and has offered to mediate in the conflict.

After a five-year hiatus, Greece and Turkey agreed last year to resume exploratory talks to address their own differences in the Mediterranean, but little progress has been made so far.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, centre, and Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, third from left, after a service at St George’s Church in Istanbul, Turkey on March 13. Photo: EPA-EFE

“Despite the disagreements between Turkey and Greece, it was agreed at the meeting to keep communication channels open and to improve bilateral relations,” the statement said.