ABTTF President: “As the Turkish community in Western Thrace, we desire to further strengthen and advance these stable relations by assuming a bridging role between our country and our motherland. This is similar to the very important positive role played by the German and Danish minorities living in the border region between Germany and Denmark, acting as a social, economic, and cultural bridge in bilateral relations between these two countries”.
Greek Minister of Foregin Affairs George Gerapetritis, speaking at an event organised by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, indicated that stable relations with Türkiye constitute a significant strategic advantage for Greece. He noted that in a period of increasing global uncertainty and fragmentation, maintaining stability with Türkiye and strengthening international alliances will remain a fundamental priority of Greek foreign policy.
Gerapetritis emphasised that establishing a sustainable and functional relationship with Türkiye is not only a diplomatic issue but also an economic and geopolitical one. He added that the period of ‘‘calm waters’’ observed in relations with Türkiye over the past three years has contributed to Greece’s economic recovery, increased defense capabilities, and stronger international standing.
“We fully agree with Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerapetritis’ statement that the multifaceted and stable relations between our country, Greece, and our motherland, Türkiye, must be maintained. As the Turkish community in Western Thrace, we desire to further strengthen and advance these stable relations by assuming a bridging role between our country and our motherland, as expressed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his official visit to Ankara last February. Similarly, Turks living in Bulgaria, our neighbouring country, can also play a bridging role between the two countries. Just as the German and Danish minorities living in the border region between Germany and Denmark play a very important positive role in bilateral relations as a social, economic, and cultural bridge between those two countries. If it can be achieved there, why can’t it be achieved in the border region between our country, our motherland, and Bulgaria?”, said Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF).
*Image: www.anadoluimages.com
