Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledges that actions by Athens have strained relations with Turkey, urging the removal of any cause for conflict.

In the global arena, several significant developments are unfolding, with leaders from Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Palestine at the forefront of these events.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have arrest warrants issued against them by the International Criminal Court, amidst ongoing allegations of war crimes in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities, and has led to a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has harshly criticized Israel for its conduct during the ongoing war.

Meanwhile, Mitsotakis has also been making waves in Greek-Turkish relations. Recent moves by Greece, such as the Maritime Spatial Planning map, the declaration of marine parks, and a tender for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete, have disrupted three years of calm in relations with Turkey. Mitsotakis acknowledged these moves but expressed his country's determination to defend its sovereign rights in the Aegean.

The 'casus belli', a military action authorization by the Turkish Parliament in 1995, declaring an extension of Greece's territorial waters in the Aegean beyond six nautical miles as a cause for war, continues to loom over the region. Mitsotakis has called for the lifting of the 'casus belli' in his expected meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He also reiterated Greece's support for a two-state solution in the Middle East and stated that Greece would recognize the State of Palestine at an appropriate time.

The future of Greek-Turkish relations is expected to be discussed by Mitsotakis and Erdogan. The two leaders held a brief meeting at the NATO Summit in The Hague and are scheduled to meet again during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly starting on September 22, 2025. The meeting with Erdogan during the UN General Assembly was planned by the Turkish side in coordination with the UN event schedule.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians have sought refuge in Gaza City, while famine has been declared in the Gaza enclave. Amidst these challenging circumstances, Mitsotakis has shown a firm commitment to finding a peaceful resolution in the region.

As the world watches, these leaders continue to navigate complex geopolitical issues, striving for stability and peace in their respective regions.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledges that actions by Athens have strained relations with Turkey, urging the removal of any cause for conflict.