Fahrettin Altun, Director of Communications for Türkiye, has called for improved relations with Greece. He emphasised the need for mutual understanding, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
In an interview with the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, Altun said that stronger bilateral relations are essential for future prosperity. He highlighted the importance of addressing regional issues and resolving long-standing disputes.
“Building mutual understanding, expanding trade, strengthening people-to-people ties, and working towards shared prosperity can benefit everyone,” he noted. “By prioritising these goals, we can ensure that those who seek to disrupt progress and cooperation are sidelined.”
Altun also stressed the need for increased cultural collaboration. He mentioned Türkiye’s support for returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. He also called for mutual respect on sensitive matters, such as the Aegean Sea and the Turkish minority in Greece.
“The Greek public should understand that the Aegean is not a Greek lake,” Altun said. “Türkiye, with its long coastline, shares the sea and has legitimate rights in the region. We must resolve disputes peacefully, based on international law.”
Regarding the Turkish minority in Greece, Altun said it’s important to recognise their elected religious leaders. He also stressed their right to freely express their ethnic identity, just like the Greek minority in Türkiye.
A realistic approach to Cyprus
On Cyprus, Altun noted the long failure of UN-led negotiations for a “bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.” He argued it’s time to acknowledge the reality on the ground.
“There are two distinct peoples and two separate states on the island. Neither the Turkish Cypriots nor Türkiye are willing to continue negotiations for another 60 years,” he said.
Looking to the future, Altun expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations at the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara next year. These meetings address a broad range of issues and involve top-level discussions between the two countries.
“This type of high-level cooperation should be normal between neighbouring countries like Türkiye and Greece,” he added.
Unlimited potential for cooperation
Altun praised the success of joint Turkish-Greek candidacies for roles within the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This, he said, shows the potential for both countries to cooperate internationally.
“Although we have differences, both countries face similar challenges,” Altun said. “By working together, we can shift our focus from conflicts to shared objectives.”
He concluded, “There are no limits for us when it comes to deepening relations with Greece.”
