Turkish-Greek relations have entered a notably positive phase over the past two years, Turkish Ambassador to Greece, Çağatay Erciyes, said on Wednesday at a concert held in the Athens Conservatoire, organized by the Turkish Embassy in Athens, under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"Our channels of dialogue are active and productive," the Ambassador stated and added:

"We are preparing to host the next High-Level Cooperation Council meeting in Ankara in the coming months. Despite our outstanding differences, our shared commitment is to advance our relationship in all fields for the mutual benefit of both our nations. Culture is a vital part of this effort. Thanks to the dedication of Minister Ersoy and Minister Mendoni, our cultural relations are also flourishing."

On his part, Greek Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotillas, spoke of "a significant moment of encounter between the two countries taking place within the framework of an event held under the auspices of the two ministries - Greece's Ministry of Culture and Turkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It marks a continuation of important milestones in cultural cooperation, beginning with the first agreement between the two nations dating back to 1951, along with all the subsequent updates made since then."

"Despite fluctuations in the relations of the two countries over the years, culture has remained a strong and consistent pillar," he underlined and cited Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, who has pointed out that "culture can foster the environment where mutual exchange and understanding will thrive."

Fotillas aligned with the Ambassador’s view, remarking that "culture represents a timeless bridge, transcending both minor and significant differences. Let us therefore allow it to create conditions of mutual respect, understanding, and a field for multifaceted cooperation."

Referring to the two artists - Turkish pianist Nazlı Hacıalioğlu and Greek clarinet virtuoso Thanassis Vassilopoulos - the Deputy Minister noted that "we should seize the opportunity offered by this musical journey to reflect on how it could serve as the soundtrack of a better era as well as an inspiration for broader horizons and more effective collaboration."