The former Deputy Secretary of State, responsible for European and Eurasian Affairs of the USA Wes Mitchell, pointed out that Turkey needs a different economic and foreign policy today, considering that there are signs that the country is now moving in this direction.
“The atmosphere is changing in Greece-Turkey relations,” remarked former US Under Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wes Mitchell, speaking at the Economist’s 3rd Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit
He expressed the opinion that in this phase a road map is being formed for a positive approach. In this context, he saw “room for moderate optimism”.
Mr. Mitchell pointed out that Turkey needs a different economic and foreign policy today, considering that there are signs that the country is now moving in this direction. He commented on Greece’s strong recovery from the crisis, commenting that the country currently plays an important role in the wider region. “Greece is attracting new investments, it has become an energy hub, and it should be recognized at the diplomatic level that it has been a strong supporter of developing good relations with its neighbors,” he said.
Mr. Mitchell underlined the importance of the US presence in the region, commenting that a peaceful SE Mediterranean is a prerequisite for European stability. He added that the American approach is not expected to change whatever the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections.
Referring to NATO expansion and Turkey’s objections to Sweden’s entry into the alliance, he underlined that “the position of intermediary between Russia and the West is no longer a viable path for Turkey.” He estimated that from the enlargement with the Scandinavian countries, Turkey will have to gain, and in this way, Russia’s attention will be diverted from the Black Sea.
He further pointed out that with the war in Ukraine, the view that natural gas from the eastern Mediterranean is not commercially viable is no longer there. “Recent searches for new sources of hydrocarbons show that this is an area where one stumbles over the other. So it’s hard to imagine an arrangement involving just one of those parties in the region, because basically everyone has a veto power over the others,” he said.
Mr. Mitchell expressed his personal condolences for the losses suffered by the Greeks from the recent fires and floods.
Source: Skai
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.
