Efforts are underway to reduce tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean Sea, where Turkish navy vessels and an Italian research ship are causing concern near the islands of Kassos and Karpathos. The presence of the Ievoli Relume, conducting research for the Great Sea Interconnector, has led to Turkish warships stationed just outside Greek territorial waters.
Turkey claims violations of its continental shelf, while Greek and Turkish officials maintain diplomatic communication to avoid escalation. The research vessel is scheduled to conclude its activities by 9 p.m. Wednesday, as per a navigational warning issued by the Hellenic Navy in Crete.
Greece aims to preserve the recent thaw in relations ahead of a key meeting between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Mitsotakis in September. Despite inflammatory remarks by a Greek minister regarding F-35 planes, the government remains committed to dialogue.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between cooperation and tensions in the region, as both countries navigate complex maritime disputes with strategic implications.