In a statement made to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, said that although there has been competition and certain expectations between Turkey and Greece for years, the two countries have now changed their methods and disposition when it comes to bilateral relations.
"We do not try to cope up with each other. We want to open up new horizons in our relations," said Davutoğlu emphasizing that through dialogue the two nations could establish a win-strategy to serve common interests. "We want to see a strong, stable and prosperous neighbor next to us" said Davutoğlu, adding "Some extremists in Greece or Turkey may think this is a zero-sum game but I can assure you that it is quite the opposite," he said. "In the 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s, this mentality existed but things have changed now. Young Greeks watch Turkish soap operas and Turks go to Greek islands for holidays," added Davutoğlu.
Commenting on bilateral relations in the Aegean and the Mediterranean, Davutoğlu stated: "Turkey has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean," he added. "Nobody can expect Turkey to remain landlocked due to certain measures. We can find a solution whereby all these islands and Turkey's interests as the country with the longest coastline in the Mediterranean can be taken into account. These are not conflicting positions. We could reach an understanding and turn all of this into an advantage," stated Davutoğlu.
