Erdogan continues charm offensive

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's choice to repeat a congratulatory telegram on the national holiday of March 25, two years after a similar move on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Greek independence in 2021, is seen to reflect Ankara's intention to continue on a low-key path and open channels of communication with Athens. 

Tellingly, Erdogan's message to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was followed by an even warmer exchange between foreign ministers Nikos Dendias and Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"I am convinced that the relationship and cooperation between our countries will be further developed through our joint efforts in the coming period," Erdogan wrote, among other things. 

However, he tried, nonetheless, to strike a balance with his domestic nationalist audience, defending his choice to turn the former Greek Orthodox church of Hagia Sophia from a...