Turkey, Greece to restart talks from ’16

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey and Greece have agreed to resume talks aimed at resolving long-festering disputes, after a weekslong standoff between the neighbors over maritime boundaries and rights to exploit offshore oil and gas resources.

The Greek Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement Tuesday that officials from both countries would “shortly” gather in Istanbul for a 61st meeting — resuming so-called exploratory talks that were last held in 2016.

A statement from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office said both Turkey and Greece were ready to restart talks. Earlier, Erdogan held a videoconference meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Council President Charles Michel.

During the meeting, Erdogan also called for a regional conference that would gather all sides involved in the dispute — including Turkish Cypriots — and said the “momentum” for dialogue should be protected,” according to the statement.

Tensions between the two NATO allies flared over energy prospecting rights in an area between Turkey’s southern coast, several Greek islands and the war-divided island of Cyprus. Turkey sent a research vessel, escorted by warships, into the disputed waters this summer.

After mediation efforts by Germany and others, Turkey pulled back the ship to port and both countries eased their naval presence and halted military exercises, paving the way for a dialogue.

It was not clear when the talks would begin.