ANKARA

Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar arranged for a phone call between Turkish club Kayserispor's Greek defender Dimitrios Kolovetsios and Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Greece’s defense minister.

Visiting the football club on Saturday in the central Kayseri province, Akar wished the players success ahead of a match with Corendon Alanyaspor and made an unexpected gesture to Kolovetsios, the team's captain, the Turkish Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Using his cellphone, Akar called Greek Defense Minister Panagiotopoulos, enabling the Greek footballer to have a conversation with his country's defense chief.

During the phone call, Akar highlighted Kayserispor's accomplishments in the league.

Panagiotopoulos took the opportunity to convey his well-wishes to Kayserispor, expressing his belief that the team will achieve success not only in Türkiye but also on the European stage.

Stressing the role of athletes as ambassadors of peace, Akar praised the potential for sports to transcend cultural and political barriers and foster understanding and cooperation between nations.

He also extended his congratulations to Greek football players for their contribution to unity, solidarity, and bilateral relations between Türkiye and Greece.