Greek Prime Minister addresses UN and reviews regional relations with Turkey

In September 2026, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, where he emphasized the geographical reality of Greece and Turkey living side by side. He stated that while the two nations are destined to coexist, any meaningful dialogue must be based on international law, the UNCLOS framework, and a clear rejection of unilateral actions that violate international legality. During his visit to New York, Mitsotakis also held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which drew attention from Turkish media, particularly regarding the strengthening of strategic ties between Greece and Israel.

Following his visit, Prime Minister Mitsotakis reiterated his stance in his weekly review on September 27, 2026. He stressed that Greece remains committed to keeping communication channels open with Turkey but insisted that dialogue cannot exist alongside provocations. Turkish media provided a dual interpretation of these events: acknowledging the Greek leader's message on the inevitability of coexistence as a potential step toward crisis avoidance, while simultaneously criticizing the alignment with Israel and noting Athens' firm adherence to its established positions on the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones.