President Erdoğan speaks to Greek newspaper Kathimerini ahead of Athens visit
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan said, "Greece is not Türkiye’s enemy, but a valuable member of the alliance we are part of”.
In an interview with Kathimerini newspaper published in Greece, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan responded to questions on Turkish-Greek relations ahead of his planned visit to Athens on December, 7.
Starting off by underlining that Türkiye and Greece are two neighbouring countries, President Erdoğan made the following remarks regarding his recent statements on “a new page in Turkish-Greek relations” and the “win-win principle”:
President Erdoğan stressed it would be a win-win situation if problems were addressed through dialogue and if parties met on common ground.
“Problems can be solved through dialogue and goodwill”
Stating that he believed the problems would be solved in the framework of dialogue and goodwill; “There are many interrelated problems that need to be solved apart from the continental shelf. When we appeal to international justice, we must not leave any problem behind;” President Erdoğan noted.
Pointing out that Greece is not Türkiye’s enemy, but a valuable member of the alliance (NATO), President Erdoğan went on to say; “Moreover, we are neighbors, we will remain neighbors, we must mutually respect each other’s rights and vital interests. The Greek people, with whom we have lived together for centuries, know well how loving we are when we extend the hand of friendship”.
“The Western media is trying to twist my words,” President Erdoğan remarked.
