Bombshells from Milliyet on the Prespes of the Aegean: Erdogan – Mitsotakis meeting for co exploitation – Suspicious role of the USA and Kimberly

Scenarios of de escalation and restart in Greek Turkish relations are being put forward by the Turkish newspaper Milliyet, speaking of “spring hope in the Aegean” after a difficult and tension filled 2025.
According to Milliyet, the President of Turkey Erdogan and the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis are expected to meet within the first quarter of 2026, with the aim of lowering the tone and reopening the channel of political dialogue.

Two postponements and political backstage

The newspaper recalls that Mitsotakis’ visit to Ankara, which had been scheduled for 2025, was postponed twice, with Athens –as reported– following a policy of “controlled tension” for domestic reasons.
Nevertheless, 2026 now appears as a year of rapprochement.
Milliyet reminds that in December 2023 the two leaders signed in Athens the Declaration of Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness, which was described as the most important move since the historic Friendship Pact of 1930, signed by Ismet Inonu and Eleftherios Venizelos.

Triple line of dialogue

Despite the difficulties at summit level, bilateral relations –according to the Turkish newspaper– continue through:

1) political dialogue,

2) positive economic and diplomatic agenda,

3) military confidence building measures.

The next meetings have been scheduled for 20 and 21 January 2026 in Athens, while subsequently the 6th High Level Cooperation Council is planned in Ankara.
Special reference is also made to the statement of the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who had emphasized that “the Aegean is not an insoluble problem” and that Turks and Greeks must “get out of the current deadlock”.
Milliyet also notes the exchange of phone calls between Erdogan and Mitsotakis in 2025, on the occasion of their birthdays, moves that are interpreted as a signal of maintaining open channels of communication.
Despite the pending issues and disagreements, the Turkish newspaper concludes that 2026 may develop into a year of a “new page” for the Aegean, with the expectation of gradual de escalation.

Mitsotakis – Erdogan meeting for “Prespes of the Aegean” with US instruction and the “blessing” of Kimberly

Already BN since Friday 19/12 was noting:

Scenarios are intensifying in the Turkish media for a new cycle of Greek Turkish contacts, with Athens at the center and a possible summit meeting Erdogan – Mitsotakis in early 2026.
According to pro government and opposition reports, Turkey and Greece are planning a two day round of talks in Athens in January, within the framework of preparation for the High Level Cooperation Council, which is expected to convene in the first quarter of 2026 in Ankara, with subject matter the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean, regional issues and measures to improve relations.
The same reports state that in Athens there is satisfaction with the climate of the last two years, with references to increased trade, reduced migratory flows and a limitation of military tensions.
According to the Turkish media, the dialogue continues, the climate is milder, but Greek Turkish relations move on delicate balances, with the difficult issues still open and the summit meeting considered an important stress test for both sides, following US instruction and the involvement of Kimberly Guilfoyle for an energy spirit of cooperation.

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