The Berlin effect! Greek newspaper writes about the behind-the-scenes of the Erdoğan-Mitsotakis meeting

The meeting between Erdoğan and Mitsotakis received extensive coverage in the Greek press.

The analysis in the Greek newspaper stated that Erdoğan's visit to Greece yesterday was a turning point in Ankara-Athens relations, and that the US and Germany were behind the improvement in relations between the two countries.

Regarding the meeting, the newspaper commented, "Important issues will not be addressed, but preparations will be made behind the scenes for a later process."

THE BERLIN EFFECT

According to the report in BirGün; based on the analysis by Ronald Meinardus, a senior researcher at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), the Berlin administration acted as a tool in planning the resumption of dialogue between Turkey and Greece following a period of high tension. According to the analysis cited by Ekonomim from the Kathimerini newspaper, Meinardus wrote that this situation is "not very well known."

THE MOST IMPORTANT PROCESS

According to the analysis, the most important process took place when high-level diplomats from Greece and Turkey met in Brussels last year at the request of Germany. In this meeting, preliminary preparations were made for diplomatic processes to continue from where they left off.

US-GERMANY INFLUENCE

Meinardus wrote that in recent years, Germany has been more active than any other country in seeking to mediate between Turkey and Greece. It was stated that Germany's efforts in this direction increased in coordination with Washington following Russia's attacks on Ukraine.

'CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM'

In the report, which recalled the definition of "cautious optimism" reflected in the German media regarding the future of Ankara-Athens relations, it was conveyed that the Berlin administration does not expect the talks to yield quick results. While speaking of a process that will not end on December 7, German Ambassador to Athens Andreas Kindl commented, "Important issues will not be addressed, but preparations will be made behind the scenes for a later process."

Meinardus's analysis concluded as follows: When Erdoğan speaks of a 'win-win' situation in Turkish-Greek relations, an agreement to be reached on migration would be an excellent start. This is an area where Greece and Turkey have promised to work closely together. Berlin will not remain idle either.

News Source: 12punto