The High Cooperation Council meeting between Greece and Turkey, originally planned for early 2025 in Ankara, has been postponed. Following a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers in Doha, it has been decided that the council will convene after March, following the conclusion of both the expanded Cyprus conference in Switzerland and Ramadan (beginning April 1st).
While discussions in Doha included the potential continuation of Political Dialogue and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), no concrete dates were set for these initiatives. The dialogue between the two nations has seemingly reached an impasse, with the primary focus now on maintaining stability in the Aegean Sea. Progress on key issues, such as the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), remains unlikely given Turkey’s continued insistence on linking the issue to limitations on Greece’s sovereign rights.
The electrical interconnection project was also discussed, with Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis raising concerns about ongoing surveys. A diplomatic source expressed optimism that the project would proceed without issue. However, the continuation of surveys for the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection cable, specifically in the area east of Kasos, presents a significant test for bilateral relations. This area is sensitive due to a past incident in July where Turkish warships intervened to prevent exploration within Greece’s EEZ, overlapping with the disputed area defined by the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum.
Last week, a similar incident occurred with Turkish naval vessels monitoring Greek research vessels operating in international waters north of Crete. Turkey reportedly challenged the Greek presence, asserting that the area falls outside of “Greek jurisdiction” within an undefined continental shelf. Despite the Turkish presence, the Greek vessels continued their operations, shadowed by a Hellenic Navy frigate. This latest incident highlights the ongoing tension and challenges in the relationship between Greece and Turkey, particularly concerning maritime boundaries and sovereign rights.