Politis

Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting and a Silent Shift

Published February 9, 2026, 12:29
Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting and a Silent Shift

The upcoming Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting, despite taking place during a period of de-escalation, does not signify trust in Turkey but rather a diplomatic move to internationally register Greece's desire for solutions based on law. The author emphasizes that meaningful dialogue is impossible as long as threats of war and illegal Turkish actions persist. He stresses the absence of any negotiation regarding sovereignty and highlights that the only existing difference is the delimitation of the continental shelf and EEZ. The Treaty of Lausanne is considered non-negotiable, and any attempt to revise it would constitute a political concession. He warns of the dangers of "co-exploitation" approaches, which could lead to de facto co-sovereignty without an explicit political decision. However, the most critical aspect of the meeting is the absence of the Cyprus issue from the agenda. This omission is seen as a strategic decoupling of the Cyprus issue from Greek-Turkish relations, raising legitimate concerns. The author emphasizes that the non-discussion of Cyprus should not lead to its disconnection from Greek foreign policy, as it remains a central issue of principle and national strategy. Finally, this development raises questions for Nicosia regarding its consent to such a practical decoupling. Maintaining stability in the region requires continued Greek support for the Republic of Cyprus and commitment to resolving the Cyprus problem.