The Greek and Turkish foreign ministers exchanged tweets over the future of their countries’ bilateral relations in an unusual case of diplomacy through social media over the weekend.
Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu started the surreal exchange by providing unsolicited advice to his Greek counterpart.
“Dear Niko, here’s some friendly advice for the new year,” Cavusoglu said. “Stop asking for help from others and injuring the Greek people’s dignity. May 2021 be the year when we settle our differences equitably by talking directly, sincerely, and earnestly,” he added.
Dear Niko, here's some friendly advice for the new year- stop asking for help from others and injuring the Greek people’s dignity. May 2021 be the year when we settle our differences equitably by talking directly, sincerely, and earnestly. @NikosDendias https://t.co/ui3hyO8iYi
— Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu (@MevlutCavusoglu) December 20, 2020
Cavusoglu was responding to an interview given by Dendias in a Greek newspaper in which he repeated Athens’ demand for the EU to impose sanctions, including a halt on weapons sales, on Turkey.
Dendias “hit back” by thanking his counterpart for the wishes and calling on Turkey to adhere to “three A’s,” as he said. Abandon threats against Greece, Aspire to become more European and Abstain from provocations.
“After all,” the Greek FM added, “we live in the 21st century.”
2. Aspire to become more European. Less Neo-Ottoman. This will best serve the Turkish people. @MevlutCavusoglu
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) December 21, 2020
3. Abstain from provocations and illegal activities. @MevlutCavusoglu
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) December 21, 2020