In an interview with the daily Ta Nea, one of Greece's top newspapers, Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun addressed questions about Türkiye-Greece relations and Israel's hostilities in Palestine.
Director of Communications Altun emphasised that neither party benefits from tensions and noted that Türkiye and Greece are confronted with protracted and intricate challenges, many of which are intertwined.
Director of Communications Altun further noted, "However, we can solve them to the benefit of future generations. We owe future generations good neighbourly relations like they enjoyed during the times of Atatürk and Venizelos. The cooperation between them was a big step towards the future. We must continue with these steps. Our countries are in the same (NATO) alliance, and we have much better circumstances today. And we have common challenges, too."
Director of Communications Altun proposed that this is the rationale why all channels of dialogue should remain open between the two nations, noting, "We must talk to each other and not to others about each other. Such a common understanding would help build more trust and respect towards each other’s sensitivities and vital interests."
Altun added that as long as Türkiye and Greece have more transparency, predictability, and a sense of good neighbourliness, both countries will have enough space to solve their differences.
"When looking for a solution, it is important to avoid escalatory rhetoric"
Emphasising that mutual trust, efforts, sincere and constructive dialogue, and patience are required to resolve issues between Türkiye and Greece, Director of Communications Altun noted, "When looking for a solution, it is important to avoid escalatory rhetoric. Politicians should refrain from provocative statements that attract media attention."
Director of Communications Altun cited numerous articles in Greek media that do not accurately portray Türkiye and indicated that this adversely influences public opinion in Greece.
Recognising the significance of public opinion as it constrains decision-makers, Altun noted that a constructive media attitude will be reflected positively in public opinion, which in turn will give politicians the necessary freedom to advance bilateral ties.
High-Level Cooperation Council meets again on December 7
As a result of increased bilateral contacts and solidarity diplomacy, the Director of Communications confirmed that the fifth High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting between Türkiye and Greece, which will be held after a seven-year hiatus, is a valuable development.
Explaining that the fifth HLCC is a significant event as it demonstrates the political will to further improve relations, Director of Communications Altun noted that the HLCC gives a very positive signal to the public in both countries.
Preparations are underway to make as much concrete progress as possible during the council meeting, Altun added.
Noting that agreements and memoranda of understanding in many fields such as economy, agriculture, education, energy, health, transportation, environment, disaster management and sports are foreseen to be signed as part of the HLCC, Director of Communications Altun said that a joint political declaration will also be released at the end of the meeting.
Director of Communications Altun emphasised that neither Türkiye nor Greece are the sources of irregular migration and that both countries face the same challenges, stressing the need for comprehensive cooperation both at sea and on land.
"UN Security Council responsible for keeping the peace has failed to fulfil its responsibilities"
On the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Director of Communications Altun said that since October 7, one of the greatest tragedies in recent history has been unfolding before the world’s eyes. Director of Communications Altun said that everyone needs to do their best to de-escalate the situation to avoid a spillover, and continued:
"However, the UN Security Council, which is responsible for keeping the peace, has failed to fulfil its responsibilities. Millions of people around the world are taking to the streets to protest against Israel's war crimes. There is growing sensitivity to decades of injustice against Palestinians."
Stating that nearly 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza are deprived of food, water, electricity, medicine, and fuel, Director of Communications Altun said that over one million are displaced across the Gaza Strip, and houses, hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and places of worship are constantly being targeted by Israel's attacks.
Director of Communications Altun said, “This has gone beyond self-defence and turned into collective punishment of a population, constituting a clear violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
Urging the international community to give correct messages to Israel, Director of Communications Altun said it is time to help de-escalate rather than provoke further military action.
Director of Communications Altun said that a cease-fire is a pressing need, adding, "Providing unhindered and sufficient humanitarian aid in Gaza for civilians is also a must.”
Stressing that the Palestine-Israel conflict is a matter of justice and conscience, Director of Communications Altun said, “The current crisis once again shows us that without addressing the root causes of the Palestine-Israel issue, there will be no lasting peace.”
Underlining that Türkiye and Greece have different perspectives not only on the war in Gaza but also on many issues, Director of Communications Altun said these differences of opinion have nevertheless not prevented the countries from initiating a new and positive phase in bilateral relations.
Director of Communications Altun said that not two countries, not even neighbours, can be expected to align on every matter of international concern, adding:
"Our common goal as neighbours and NATO allies should be preventing and avoiding crises in general, both between ourselves and in our region and beyond. I think you will agree that both Türkiye and Greece can be stronger by facing challenges together."