Being neighbors forces countries to behave in harmony for the sake of a healthy development process. Baltic countries, NAFTA countries, Gulf countries, and Balkan countries are important examples. A well-developed agreement and cooperation between neighboring countries makes it relatively easier for countries to maintain stable relations and provides the necessary structure for development. As a result, rather than increasing hatred and enmity between countries, it is preferable to cooperate. This is the case for Turkey and Greece as well, which will feel the need for cross-border cooperation in the long run.
The Economic Weaknesses and Incentives for Developing a Cooperation
Turkey had a total export of $291 million to Greece and a total import of $274 million in 2021. Considering that the two countries share nature, geography, and natural resources, the trade volume between the countries is much less than the necessary amount to create fruitful cooperation. Both countries have experienced significant financial and economic crises in recent years and are still suffering from them. The pandemic has made things worse for both countries.
Following the economic crisis five years ago, Greece received support from the EU, led by Germany. However, Turkey has lost much of its support as a result of the Turkish government's global political position. Turkey's economic policies are making the country's exit from the crisis more difficult by the day.
Greece and Turkey share the Aegean Sea, nature, and tourism opportunities. When Turkey receives more tourists, there is a corresponding decrease on the Greek side, and vice versa. Even though Greece has an advantage in this competition, the competition is preventing the countries from cooperating in a synergistic way.
Creating tourism destinations that include points in Greece and Turkey would significantly increase tourism profits for both countries. Considering that many Turkish people are living in Greece and strong cultural and historical connections between the two exist, developing cooperation in some industries would not be so difficult if some unsolvable political issues are ignored. Even solving the issues regarding the Island of Cyprus and including it as one piece in this cooperation would double the fruits.
Meeting in Athens
The last meeting between the Greek trade authorities and the Turkish trade authorities was held in 2010. After an eleven year break, the parties met in Athens in January 2022. The Greek-Turkish Joint Economic Committee has ended with the signing of a protocol regarding the development of bilateral trade, the energy sector, environmental protection, investments, and transportation between the countries. Although not all the issues and the potential cooperation areas were covered in the protocol, it is still being considered as progress in the development of the relations between Turkey and Greece after many years.
As neighboring countries, Turkey and Greece have a variety of areas to create collaborative works and cooperation. Tourism, agricultural production, technology transfers, illegal immigration, and border trade are among the most important areas. Building healthy communication and a strong relationship between the two will enable them to boost their potential.
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