OUR re-election of Tayyip Erdogan for another five-year term puts an end to the discussion how would Türkiye behave towards Greece under a different leader and therefore how Greece should face this reality.

Another question, if not a concern that will also not be raised, is whether the US and Europe will be more inclined to support Ankara’s positions under an apparently more Western-oriented Turkish leader.

The election cycles – both for the presidency and for the now “ultra-nationalist” National Assembly – are over, and despite a deep split in the neighboring country and a relatively small margin (52%-48%), Erdogan will still be the all-powerful leader and the sole decision maker – can be assumed with the same revisionist approach for our region and maximalist dreams of Turkey’s global role.

As Erdogan’s presidency continues for another five years, two developments offer some, albeit limited, hope for transformation Greek-Turkish relations to more positive direction.

Immediate response and honest Athens’ willingness to help Turkey after the painful destruction of recent earthquakes, the atmosphere has changed.

They followed meetings of foreign and defense ministers two countries held in a more encouraging climate. However, without retreating from fixed positions, a desire was expressed to improve relations.

Moreover, if, due to the difficult economic situation in which his country finds itself, the President of Turkey chooses – or is forced to seek – closer cooperation with the West – any Arab funds are unlikely to flow unconditionally and it is doubtful that they will be enough. – then in the context of broader geostrategic and economic calculations, one can imagine retreat of aggression against Greeceas recently observed against Egypt, Israel and Syria.

“Everyone here has a stake in working for peace,” US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis said during a panel discussion at the recent Delphi Economic Forum, expressing his belief that “there is a desire for peace on both sides of the Aegean and reconciliation.”

Erdogan may have recently toned down his threatening rhetoric and become more conciliatory, but there is no indication that he has renounced nationalism as its guiding ideology.

Athens naturally prefers peaceful coexistence and is willing to work towards that end, using the International Court of Justice in The Hague as a potentially necessary means to an end.

However, the question arises as to whichcompromisethe American ambassador in Athens said if – as all indications – Erdogan continues to promote the doctrine of the Blue Motherland, or even the goal of revising the Lausanne Treaty.