“President Erdogan shares moderate message with Greek press ahead of election”
Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed hopes for a new era in Turkish-Greek relations in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Erdoğan commented that animosity and competition between the two countries had “worn out” both nations, and put aside any negative sentiment in favor of sending messages of friendship. When questioned on a message for Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Erdoğan simply said to “keep his promises”. In response, Mitsotakis extended a “hand of friendship” to the winner of the Turkish elections, stating that living in constant tension is not the destiny of the two nations. The Greek leader hopes that Turkey will reevaluate its general approach to the West, Europe and the USA, but acknowledged that foreign policies take time to change. At the upcoming elections in Turkey on Sunday, only one ballot box will be established in Istanbul, whereas 99 will be set up in 35 countries for overseas voting. The New Democracy Party ranks first, whilst main opposition SYRIZA, led by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, comes in second.
