Greece Voices Concern Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest Amid Plans for Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting

March 24, 2025
Greece Voices Concern Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest Amid Plans for Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting
  • At a recent EU summit in Brussels, Mitsotakis raised alarms about Imamoglu's arrest, citing it as an example of democratic backsliding in Turkey.

  • Mitsotakis has emphasized that Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership, must adhere to the framework established by the European Council for closer relations with the EU.

  • The political climate complicates the organization of a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan, although reports suggest it may take place on April 8, 2025.

  • This upcoming meeting is part of ongoing efforts to improve relations between Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies, which have been in progress since December 2023.

  • Despite unresolved issues such as territorial disputes and migration, both nations appear committed to fostering a constructive relationship rather than confrontation.

  • The postponement of the meeting affects the Greece-Turkey High-Level Council for Cooperation, which aims to enhance relations despite ongoing territorial disputes.

  • Organizing the Supreme Council for Cooperation has become challenging due to recent developments; however, foreign ministers may address this at the NATO summit in Brussels in early April.

  • The issue of cooperation between the two countries is likely to be revisited by their foreign ministers during the NATO foreign ministers' summit.

  • Greece has expressed concern over the political situation in Turkey, particularly following the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, which was labeled 'worrying' by government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis.

  • Mitsotakis has reiterated Greece's commitment to maintaining calm in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean while continuing political dialogue and soft diplomacy initiatives.

  • Mitsotakis and Erdogan have previously met several times to emphasize dialogue and de-escalation, with their last official meeting occurring at the UN General Assembly in New York.

  • Relations between Greece and Turkey have improved significantly over the past two years, following heightened tensions from 2020 to 2021 over maritime boundaries and energy exploration.

Summary based on 5 sources


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Greece finds situation in Turkey ‘worrying’

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