Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived in Ankara on Monday for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of a long-awaited visit, Turkish media reported.
Erdogan and Mitsotakis shook hands and were photographed against the backdrop of the two countries’ flags. After the one-on-one meeting, Erdogan and Mitsotakis will chair the delegations meeting and will also hold a joint press conference. Later, the Turkish president will host a dinner in honour of the Greek prime minister.
Turkey and Greece, NATO allies and historic foes, have long feuded over issues such as maritime borders, energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean, flights over the Aegean Sea and the ethnic divide in Cyprus.
After years of tensions that brought the countries to the brink of conflict, Ankara and Athens have begun taking high-profile steps to improve their ties in recent years, especially last year after both leaders were re-elected.
A Turkish diplomatic source said Erdogan and Mitsotakis will discuss issues ranging from technology, tourism and economic ties to counter-terrorism and migration during Monday’s visit, adding that a “Joint Business Council” will also be formed to bring together Turkish and Greek businessmen.
