GREEK-TURKISH TALKS

'There are the exploratory talks that we would like to complete. There are confidence-building-measures and meetings in the NATO framework,” Turkey's defence minister said.

The talks will be held less than two weeks after the signing of the Greece-France agreements on mutual defence and on the purchase of next generation French Belharra frigates, against which the Turkish foreign ministry lashed out today.

The defence of Greece’s rights and the strict invocation of international treaties and the obligations that they produce for all parties can bring only benefits.

'Greece's position is clear. Turkey has violated international law and maritime law in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean,' Dendias said. "You come out here, and try to accuse Turkey, to give a message to your country,' Cavusoglu said.

The prospect of high-level political negotiations between Athens and Ankara has fueled concerns among analysts that Greece may make concessions that touch on national sovereignty.

The Dendias-Cavusoglu talks were discussed during political consultations between Greece and Turkey held parallel to ongoing exploratory talks.

The Greek side must remain devoted to its line, ring the alarm bells when necessary, and come to the table of exploratory talks with determination.

The truth is that Antonis Samaras is not operating in a vacuum. For decades he has had an intransigent stance on national issues and has played the nationalist card,

Instead of negotiating, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided to directly provoke Greece by sending the research vessel Oruc Reis to the Aegean.

'Very useful exchange with President Erdogan on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and on migration. I welcome the planned launch of talks with Greece, which are essential for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,' said Von der Leyen.