Fidan meets Greek FM, calls for calm in Eastern Mediterranean

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia on Wednesday on the sidelines of the South‑East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed Türkiye‑Greece relations and regional cooperation. Fidan also met Denis Bećirović, chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Maritime jurisdiction draft law

Fidan stated that the draft maritime jurisdiction legislation currently before the Turkish parliament is a matter of domestic law, and that Türkiye respects international law and good‑neighbourly relations. He expects the same level of respect from all neighbours and described as regrettable statements made by certain circles based on incomplete information. Such remarks could negatively affect bilateral relations, he warned, calling for a more responsible approach.

Cooperation over tension

Emphasising that the Eastern Mediterranean should be an area of cooperation rather than tension, Fidan underlined the importance of avoiding steps that could harm regional stability or be directed against Türkiye. The meeting follows a period of relative calm in Greek‑Turkish relations after both sides agreed in 2025 to resume exploratory talks. However, differences over maritime boundaries, continental shelf, and the status of some Aegean islands remain unresolved. Türkiye has repeatedly called for dialogue and opposed any unilateral actions.