Minister hails improved Turkey ties

Reflecting the changing mood in Greek-Turkish relations, Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos has hailed what he referred to as an extremely positive climate.

Speaking to local media in the northern Greek town of Kavala on Saturday, Panagiotopoulos said the thaw is an opportunity for the consolidation of good-neighborly relations, the formation of conditions of peace, security and stability in the region, but always with respect for international law and without any hint of a derogation of the country's sovereign rights.

He also made reference to a visit to Turkey last week, where he and his counterpart Hulusi Akar visited the earthquake-affected areas of Hatay. The trip was part of an effort to defuse tensions over long-standing disputes in the East Mediterranean, such as maritime boundaries and drilling rights.

Following the February earthquakes in Turkey,...