Greece to grant temporary visas to the citizens of Türkiye to travel across the islands

Greece is planning to ease the process of issuing temporary visas to the citizens of Turkish Republic for them to travel the Aegean islands, Bloomberg writes.

The initiative is supposed to be announced during the visit of Turkish President Recep Erdogan to Athens. It is clear that the European Commission has provisionally approved of the decision of Athens.

Migration minister of Greece highlighted that it is not a part of agreement with Türkiye – it is the decision of Greece taken in collaboration with the European Commission. It is to bring tourism to life in the Greek islands as well as to enhance economic interaction between two states. Also, this step displays that Türkiye and Greece are gradually getting out of the tight period characterized by increased tension in relations.

Moreover, the countries agreed to appoint a representative of the Greek Coast Guard in the city of Izmir, and an official of the Republic of Türkiye on the Greek island of Lesvos.