Swedish Foreign Minister Acknowledges Turkey's 50-Year Occupation of Cyprus

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström has acknowledged Turkey's 50-year occupation of Cyprus in response to a question. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey over territorial claims and energy exploration rights in the Mediterranean.

Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies, have been at odds for decades over various issues. The two countries have engaged in a confidence-building process to improve their often tense relations, with a meeting scheduled in Ankara on May 13 between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

However, recent plans by Greece to create marine nature reserves in the Ionian and Aegean seas have angered Turkey, which considers the move a "step that sabotages the normalization process" in relations. Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed surprise at Turkey's reaction, stating that the marine park initiative is an environmental measure and does not prevent the two countries from engaging in dialogue and building a positive agenda.

Why this matters: The acknowledgment of Turkey's long-standing occupation of Cyprus by a European foreign minister highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey have implications for regional stability and cooperation within the NATO alliance.

Despite the recent improvement in relations, Greece and Turkey continue to disagree on the delineation of maritime zones in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. The meeting between the two countries' delegations in Athens on April 22, 2024, is part of ongoing efforts to discuss confidence-building measures and improve their often strained relationship.

Key Takeaways

• Swedish FM acknowledges Turkey's 50-year occupation of Cyprus.
• Greece and Turkey, NATO allies, have long-standing territorial disputes.
• Greece's marine park plans anger Turkey, seen as sabotaging normalization.
• Greece and Turkey to hold high-level meeting in Ankara on May 13.
• Tensions have implications for regional stability and NATO cooperation.