Greece’s Independence Day was celebrated with a reception held at the Hilton Hotel. The reception was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and EU President Mehmet Kemal Bozay. The reception was organized by the Ambassador of Greece to Türkiye, Theodoros Bizakis. In addition to Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and EU President Mehmet Kemal Bozay, many ambassadors, foreign mission representatives, and guests attended the event. In his opening speech, Ambassador Bizakis provided information about Greece’s independence struggle, saying, “Greek history has always been about fighting for what is right.” The Ambassador continued his speech as follows:
DIALOGUE, DIPLOMACY, DEMOCRACY
“Greece transformed from a backward province to a modern state with strong institutions. Today, Greece has a fully functioning, vibrant democracy and is a long-standing member of NATO and the European Union.
What we have achieved so far and the values we wish to continue to fight for are also well reflected in our temporary membership in the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. The message we are sending for this seat is clear: Dialogue, diplomacy, democracy.
I think I mentioned this to you last year; these words have Greek origins and were most likely passed into your language in their original form. However, I may not have another opportunity to repeat this.
The path we seek to follow can only be built on respect for international law, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. We must always defend the validity of international law and condemn any form of aggression, extremism, and terrorism.”
THE TURMOIL AROUND US IS BIG ENOUGH
“Our leaders have decided to continue exploring ways to live together without tensions as neighbors. The turmoil around us is big enough. The current major crisis in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine are the first examples that come to mind.
Bilateral relations between Turkey and Greece have always played a significant role. However, the two countries have decided to follow a new path and use creative ways to improve these relations.
This new process began with a heartfelt and spontaneous show of solidarity from the Greek people following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey. This sudden and sincere reaction opened the way for intensified bilateral contacts.”
JOINT FIGHT AGAINST IRREGULAR MIGRATION
“A concrete roadmap with specific areas of cooperation was developed, and since then, numerous visits at all levels have taken place.
One of the most important areas of our strengthened cooperation is the fight against illegal migration. Cooperation between the police and coast guard authorities of the two countries has been intensified, and joint efforts to prevent irregular migration flows and, more importantly, to dismantle human trafficking networks have been increased.
Finally, our commercial and economic cooperation is progressing to reach a $10 billion bilateral trade volume, in line with the joint statement signed by the leaders in Athens in 2023.”
THE COMMITMENT TO TURKEY’S EU PERSPECTIVE CONTINUES
“We continue our commitment to Turkey’s EU perspective. We must move forward together within the framework of the EU acquis and in line with the fundamental values upon which this acquis is based.”
VISA ON ARRIVAL PROGRAM EXTENDED
“In this context, one of the most tangible outcomes is the ‘Visa on Arrival’ program, which has been in place for the past 12 months with the approval of the European Commission.
The success of the program and the significant tourist movement between the two countries have shown how important people-to-people ties are. These ties may perhaps be the best communication bridge between us.
Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the ‘Visa on Arrival’ program has been extended for another year and now includes the islands of Patmos and Samothrace.”
DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL RELATIONS
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in his speech at the reception, drew attention to the positive momentum achieved in bilateral relations with Greece.
Ersoy stated that the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Athens in December 2023 and the successful visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Ankara in May 2024 were significant milestones and said:
“Our economic relations are vital for advancing our positive agenda and supporting our political dialogue. By the end of 2024, our trade volume reached $6 billion.
Joint Economic Commission meetings, business forums, and the newly established Joint Business Council are crucial in strengthening economic cooperation.”
Ersoy emphasized that tourism has strengthened the bonds between the Greeks and Turks and stated that tourism data in 2024 reached record levels.
He also announced that the ‘Visa on Arrival’ program, which started last year, has been successful and extended for another year.
JOINT STEPS IN TRADE AND MIGRATION FIGHT
Minister Ersoy also pointed out that the strengthened cooperation with Greece is reflected in the fight against illegal migration, stating:
“In terms of migration, the cooperation between our police and coast guard authorities has intensified. We have increased our efforts to prevent human trafficking and control irregular migration flows.”
