Full interview at Daily of Sunday and on Manoli Kostidi granted by Recep Tayyip Erdogana few 24 hours before his meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara.

The Turkish president referred to the continental shelf in the Aegean, to the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, but also to the issues that have arisen recently, specifically to the marine parks. The Turkish president answered in writing the questions of “K”, which had been submitted before the implementation of the decision to convert the Monastery of Chora into a mosque emerged.

Referring to the differences with Greece, Mr. Erdogan said, among other things:

“As Turkey, we have recently taken honest and effective steps and we intend to continue this. We, Turkey and Greece, share not only the same geography but also many common elements with a historical dimension. Of course, there are issues on which we disagree, but the number of issues on which we can agree is not small.”

He added: “We will do everything in our power to ensure that peace and tranquility prevail forever on both sides of the Aegean Sea.”

Regarding the meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, he emphasized:

“I believe that we have achieved a climate of harmony with Mr. Mitsotakis recently… The climate that I mentioned has started to bear concrete fruits. The Declaration of Athens, the agreements and protocols we signed are just some of them.”

About the marine parks he said:

“Let us not see the environment as a convenient cover and try to hide behind it other controversial situations… Indeed, the International Law of the Sea encourages cooperation, between coastal states in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas such as the Aegean, among others and in environmental matters. On the other hand, everyone knows that Turkey will not accept de facto situations in this geography.”

He stated about the Turkish-Libyan memorandum:

“In your question you mentioned an agreement between Cyprus and Israel. It is an assumption that the entire island of Cyprus has signed an Exclusive Economic Zone demarcation agreement with Israel. The agreement, which we do not recognize, was made between the Greek Administration in South Cyprus and Israel and the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots, who are an essential element of the island, i.e. the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, have been ignored. On the other hand, for us, energy is not an area of ​​conflict, but an area of ​​cooperation. For this, approaching the subject from a positive perspective is more than enough.”

He said about the continental shelf in the Aegean:

“The solution here is clear, the solution is to comply with international law and make it sustainable. As long as we don’t avoid it, there shouldn’t be any obstacles we can’t overcome together. As you know, we advocate that problems should be solved as a package. We should not ignore other controversial points by focusing on a single difference. When we say that we have reached a comprehensive solution, we must not transfer friction to future generations.”

He stressed about the calm waters in the Aegean:

“We do not hesitate to extend a hand of friendship as long as there is a response. We value friendship and good neighborly relations. As long as no steps are taken that can harm us, this attitude will continue.”

With regard to his meeting with Joe Biden, which was also postponed due to the balance in the relations between the USA, Greece and Turkey, he said:

Our visit to the US was postponed due to conflicting schedules on both sides. As you know, the United States is on the eve of elections and Mr. Biden’s schedule has become even more dense… To maintain balance in the US relationship with Greece and Turkey.”

More details at Kathimerini.gr