ANKARA – As Turkey reels from an earthquake and Greece mourns its train tragedy, the two countries are coming together to seek dialogue and diplomacy. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has lowered his belligerent tone, seeking peaceful solutions despite Turkey’s desire for more American-made F-16 fighters. Critics in Congress have blocked Erdogan’s attempt to buy these fighters, fearing they will be used against Greece in conflict.

Turkey is engaged in positive talks with Greece and hopes to resolve problems through peaceful, neighborly relations. This marks a notable change in Erdogan’s previous warning of invasion over Greek troop presence on Aegean islands and resistance to Greece’s potential expansion of maritime boundaries.

Asked about the sale of an F-16 modernization package, Akar said that despite reservations from some members of Congress, Biden – who has previously supported Greece – wants the deal to go through.

“We want common sense to prevail,” Akar said. “We have fulfilled our obligations, and we expect the same from our allies,” he added, without explaining how a NATO ally is dealing with Russia, an ideological adversary.