TURKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Greece today on a trip designed to mend strained relations between the two nations and with hopes of resetting ties with Western allies.

Despite deep-rooted differences between the two neighbours, President Erdogan promised a “win-win” approach that could lay the foundation for broader co-operation.

The Turkish president was set to hold talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens.

The significance of improved relations extends beyond bilateral ties and could help Turkey mend rocky relationships with the European Union. 

One crucial agreement in Athens focuses on migration, establishing communication channels between the coast guards of the two countries, both of which stand accused of abusing refugee rights.

Greece is expected to offer holiday visas for Turks visiting Greek islands and is backing Ankara’s request to ease travel restrictions for Turkish nationals in the EU.

The long-standing disputes between Greece and Turkey have led the two countries to the brink of war three times in the last 50 years. 

The latest flare-up occurred in 2020 when warships from the two countries shadowed each other in the eastern Mediterranean.