ATHENS, Greece — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made his way to Athens on Friday for discussions with his Greek counterpart in a bid to alleviate ongoing tensions between the neighboring nations. Both countries are members of NATO and have a lengthy history of disputes, particularly concerning maritime boundaries, which have brought them to the brink of military conflict on several occasions. Recently, the two nations have been actively seeking to enhance diplomatic relations after more than a year of renewed discussions.

In an interview with Turkey’s Hurriyet newspaper, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis expressed optimism, stating, “Step by step, we have achieved a level of trust so that we can discuss issues with sincerity and prevent crises.” This meeting follows a series of important conversations between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking an initiative aimed at repairing ties that began in 2023.

During their discussions, officials in Athens are likely to address concerns regarding the increase in illegal migration, as Greece has witnessed a rise in the number of arrivals. Furthermore, despite significant disagreements on issues relating to Israel and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, both foreign ministers are expected to seek ways to bolster regional stability.

These talks are seen as a foundational step toward a high-level cooperation council between Greece and Turkey, which is set to take place in Ankara in early 2025.