Erdogan speaks to Kathimerini, calls for new era in Greece-Turkey relations
ANKARA – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed a desire to initiate a new era in Greece’s relations with Turkey in statements to Kathimerini. He also conveyed a message to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In a conversation with Kathimerini following his latest pre-election rally in the Turkish capital, Ankara, Erdogan stated, “We can put aside hostilities and competitions with Greece, as these have significantly harmed both countries and should not persist. I hope that the elections in Greece and Turkey will mark the beginning of a new era. From Turkey, we send our warm and friendly greetings to Greece.”
When asked if he had a message or wish for Mitsotakis, Erdogan responded, “Mitsotakis must take a note of these impressions and uphold his promises.”
The upcoming May 14 election is increasingly becoming a closely contested race between Erdogan, who has led Turkey for over 20 years, and his main challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu. The latest opinion polls indicate a slight advantage for Kilicdaroglu, the candidate of a six-party opposition coalition.
The Turkish president is confident in his electoral victory and asserted in Kathimerini, “The large gatherings in public squares demonstrate this; the people exhibit this desire, and you can see it too.”
Erdogan’s aides suggested that the election outcome will likely be determined in the first round. If no candidate secures 50 percent of the vote on Sunday, a runoff will be held two weeks later.
During the conversation, Erdogan maintained a warm and cordial demeanor. Despite the consecutive rallies, he appeared energetic and carried on with his schedule until late at night. When questioned about Greece’s Mitsotakis, Erdogan opted not to escalate tensions, setting aside the negative atmosphere that existed between them. Instead, he conveyed a message of a fresh start in the event of the re-election of both leaders in their respective countries.
