A good basis for progress in Greek-Turkish relations is “seeed” by Jens Plötner, Foreign and Security Policy Adviser of the German Chancellery. In a conversation with “K” about his participation in the VIII Delphi Economic Forum, the former German ambassador to Athens emphasizes that Berlin is ready to maintain bilateral contacts “if both sides wish.” Close aide Olaf Soltz refutes NATO member’s challenge to NATO member’s sovereignty. But he makes it clear that for German diplomacy “the presence of open and stable lines of communication with Ankara is not only useful, but also necessary.” On the Ukrainian front, he believes that Moscow should start meaningful negotiations. He talks about the attitude of the EU. in relation to China, which he characterizes as a partner, economic competitor and systemic adversary.

– Good neighborly relations between Greece and Turkey are important not only for the two countries, but also for the Euro-Atlantic community as a whole. After all, our common goal should be to use the full potential of cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region. For the benefit of all countries. The tremendous solidarity shown by Greece towards Turkey after the terrible earthquake was wonderful and, I believe, was well received in Turkey. And President Erdogan was one of the first foreign leaders to express his condolences over the horrific train accident in Greece. It is also very encouraging that the two governments have met several times in recent weeks. Of course, I understand that there are still difficult questions. But this spirit of dialogue and cooperation is certainly a good basis for substantial future progress. If both parties wish, the German government is ready to contribute to this process.

– In my experience, in addition to rumors and fabrications, those in charge understand that having open and stable lines of communication with Ankara is not only useful, but also necessary. This does not prejudice our substantive position – for example, a clear rebuttal when one NATO ally challenges the sovereignty of another.

The citizens of Turkey must choose their vote.

Good neighborly relations between Greece and Turkey are important for the Euro-Atlantic community as a whole.

– We share with the French government the strategic goal of creating a strong, sovereign European Union in all aspects that accompany it in terms of economic strength, foreign policy and security. To this end, and as a shared priority, we will continue to invest in European Union and NATO cohesion with our partners and allies, above all the United States.

As for China, the EU member states share the strategic view that China is both a partner, an economic competitor and a systemic adversary. Germany’s relationship with China is based on this approach: China is an important partner in dealing with global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and over-indebtedness. When Chancellor Scholz visited China in 2022 and spoke about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, President Xi and the chancellor publicly agreed that the threat or use of nuclear weapons was unacceptable. This was an important signal. China also remains a key business and trade partner. However, there is no doubt that today’s China is different from the China of the past. Therefore, our political and economic position should reflect this attitude towards competition and rivalry.

Therefore, it is in our interests to diversify trade relations and reduce critical dependencies. The concept of derisking, as opposed to decoupling, is at the core of an approach that the President of the European Commission also shares in his recent speech on China.

“The goal of the IRA’s climate policy is a welcome change in US policy, especially given the size of their economy. At the same time, we are concerned about some of its elements that discriminate against European business and may divert investment from the EU. in North America. That is why negotiations between the European Commission and the US government on the implementation of the IRA are so important. At the same time, it is clear that Europe must work to further strengthen its competitiveness.

– It would be unwise to comment on the upcoming elections, especially in the case of two close partner countries. But I can assure you that the German government is cooperating very well with the government of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and will continue to work closely with the future Greek government bilaterally and within the EU. and NATO.

Ukrainian

– It is obvious to us that no one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. President Zelenskiy’s peace plan is a stark reminder in this direction. But, unfortunately, so far we do not see Russia’s readiness to conduct serious negotiations. Therefore, the “key” to peace lies in a change of position in Moscow. By withdrawing his troops, Putin can immediately end this war. In the meantime, together with our partners, we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to exercise its right to self-defense.