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Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for restraint in public discussion of relations with Turkey<\/strong>, emphasizing that geography means the two countries must coexist despite longstanding disputes.<\/p>\n In an interview with Greece\u2019s OPEN television (around 24\u201325 July 2026), he said: \u201cWe are destined to live side by side with Turkey\u2026 The two peoples want good relations. We have differences, but we must not live in a state of permanent tension.\u201d He criticized media coverage and maps in both countries for inflaming disputes rather than helping relations.<\/p>\n Mitsotakis rejected claims that Athens seeks Ankara\u2019s permission for Greek initiatives such as electricity links to islands, marine parks, maritime spatial planning, defense strengthening, or energy exploration. He stated Greece is not prepared to negotiate a final settlement on exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and the continental shelf \u201cfrom a position of weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n Greece and Turkey (both NATO members) have decades-old disputes over maritime boundaries, airspace, and energy rights in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, plus the Cyprus issue. Relations improved after the 2023 Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness, but the core maritime questions remain unresolved. Turkey\u2019s parliament has maintained since 1995 that any Greek extension of territorial waters beyond six nautical miles in the Aegean would be a casus belli (grounds for war).<\/p>\n The Turkish Minute piece you shared is consistent with reporting from other outlets (including Greek, Turkish, and international sources) on the same interview. Mitsotakis has repeatedly stressed open channels of communication, deterrence without provocation, and avoiding media-driven escalation while defending Greece\u2019s sovereign rights and military modernization.<\/p>\nContext<\/h3>\n