Greece-Turkey Relations: Erdogan Hints at Nuclear Cooperation

A day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and high-ranking officials, met with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens in the framework of the Supreme Council of Cooperation, the Turkish hinted at a potential alliance between the two countries in the field of nuclear energy.

Speaking to Turkish media after concluding his 5-hour working visit to Athens on Thursday, where he engaged in discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Erdogan expressed hope that his visit would contribute to strengthening ties among NATO allies and historical adversaries.

During Erdogan’s visit to Athens, Greece and Turkey agreed on a draft roadmap, marking the initiation of a new era of closer ties. Addressing reporters on his return flight to Turkey, Erdogan stated that the meetings were conducted in a “very positive” atmosphere.
“Greece and Turkey seek to expand and develop this collaboration not only in energy but in all sectors, including nuclear energy. For example, we can offer Greece the opportunity to benefit from the energy of our nuclear plant to be constructed in Sinop,” according to a statement from Erdogan’s office, adding that Mitsotakis was receptive to the idea.

Asked about resolving pending maritime disputes with Greece, Erdogan stated that Turkey’s stance on protecting its rights in the region remains unchanged, but fair distribution of energy resources is possible.

“A comprehensive and fair distribution in the eastern Mediterranean is possible. Once we establish the foundation for this, draw up correct roadmaps, and avoid provocations, we can move forward,” he said. Erdogan proposed a regional conference of coastal states as a “proper step” towards shaping this foundation.

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy declined to comment on the latest remarks by Erdogan, referring to the details officially released during the Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting.

It’s worth noting that a similar proposal had been tabled by Bulgaria about a year and a half ago when Deputy Prime Minister Asen Vasilev had announced talks with Greece for the construction of a new nuclear plant to be used by Greece under a 20-year contract, an idea that had not to move forward.

During Erdogan’s visit, Greece and Turkey inked more than twelve cooperation agreements spanning trade, energy, and education. The leaders also announced a roadmap for future high-level discussions aimed at preventing bilateral crises.

Source: tovima.com