Greece’s Foreign Ministry stressed that dealings with Turkey must remain strictly bilateral and grounded in international law.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou said Athens continues to rely on steady, predictable communication as the most effective way to prevent tensions and avoid crises.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry sticks to direct talks with Turkey
During a press briefing, Zochiou responded to recent comments by US Ambassador Tom Barrack in Turkey, who suggested that Washington is ready to act as a “bridge” between Athens and Ankara.
She noted that Greece welcomes international interest in regional stability but stressed that Athens follows a firm and consistent line:
“Issues with Turkey are managed strictly on a bilateral basis and always through international law.”
She added that Greece has not received any mediation proposal and is not considering any third-party initiative.
Cautious Optimism on Halki as Diplomatic Agenda Expands
On the issue of the Halki Seminary, Zochiou said Athens continues to receive encouraging signals from several sides and is monitoring developments closely. She emphasized, however, that the reopening of the seminary is not a bilateral issue but an international matter linked to religious freedom and cultural rights.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is in Brussels for the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The gathering is taking place as the United States promotes new ideas aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine.
Athens maintains that any proposal must safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity and insists that the European Union participate in any negotiation process that affects European interests.
No scheduled meeting between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers
Despite active diplomacy across the region, no meeting is currently planned between Gerapetritis and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Brussels or Vienna.
Talks on the “positive agenda” and broader political consultations remain ongoing, with potential dates under consideration for early 2026.
Athens stresses that dialogue remains essential, but any progress with Turkey must respect legality, clarity and international obligations.
Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean remain high priorities for Greece’s Foreign Ministry
Beyond its approach to Turkey, Greece is preparing for several key diplomatic engagements involving Libya. This week, Athens will welcome Aguila Saleh, Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, marking his first official visit to Greece.
During discussions, Athens is expected to reiterate its firm position that the Turkey–Libya maritime memorandum is illegal and without legal effect.
Negotiations on maritime zones with Libya remain slow and complex. Since Gerapetritis’ visits to both Libyan sides in 2025, talks have advanced step by step, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue.
A Greek business delegation is scheduled to travel to Libya in January 2026, highlighting Athens’ broader strategic interest in the country and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
