ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The first high-level talks aimed at reducing tensions between Turkey and Greece in five years took place behind closed doors on Monday. The exploratory talks at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace were the 61st round of meetings between the frequent rivals since discussions were launched in 2002. Ibrahim Kalin, the spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended the meeting and stressed Turkey’s commitment. Trust between Turkey, Europe and the US has been eroded in recent years by issues including refugees, Ankara’s foreign policy, the purchase of Russian air defense missiles and human rights. While the coronavirus pandemic has sowed deep financial problems, tensions between Turkey and the EU, its main trading partner, have also played a role.

Source: Egypt Independent January 26, 2021 10:37 UTC