Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a joint press conference in Ankara during the 6th Supreme Council of Cooperation between Greece and Turkey. The meeting followed bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace and the formal signing of agreements.
Dialogue and diplomacy highlighted
Mitsotakis emphasised the importance of dialogue and good-neighbourly relations, stressing that disputes must be managed calmly without escalating into crises. He reiterated Greece’s commitment to international law and constructive engagement.
Erdogan underlined that dialogue remains crucial, noting that even complex issues like the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean disputes are not unsolvable if handled in good faith.
Trade goals and bilateral agreements
Erdogan set a target of increasing bilateral trade from $7 billion in 2025 to $10 billion. Both leaders stressed the importance of economic cooperation and the positive momentum in recent months.
Seven agreements were signed during the summit:
- Joint Declaration between the Greek Government and the Turkish Government to strengthen overall bilateral cooperation.
- Cultural Memorandum of Understanding to promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
- Foreign Ministries Cooperation within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation.
- Enterprise Greece – Invest in Turkiye Declaration to encourage investment and business collaboration.
- Scientific and Technological Cooperation Declaration opening channels for research and innovation.
- Disaster Preparedness Cooperation Declaration focusing on earthquake readiness and civil protection.
- Ferry Service Agreement establishing a new route between Thessaloniki and Izmir to strengthen tourism and transport links.
Cyprus and minority issues
On Cyprus, Mitsotakis spoke of a “window of opportunity” to restart a meaningful dialogue from where talks paused in 2017, emphasising the UN Secretary-General’s initiatives and compliance with Security Council resolutions.
Regarding minority rights, Mitsotakis clarified Greece’s stance based on the Treaty of Lausanne. He underlined that the Muslim minority in Thrace is strictly religious, and the Greek minority in Turkey continues to contribute to social and cultural life. Both leaders agreed that minorities can serve as bridges of friendship between the two nations.
Erdogan raised the Turkish minority in Western Thrace, stressing recognition of religious freedoms and the right to education. Mitsotakis responded that the legal framework is clear and cooperation should focus on building trust between communities.
Regional stability and migration
Mitsotakis highlighted ongoing cooperation in migration management, noting a 60% reduction in flows in the Eastern Aegean due to strengthened land and sea border controls and improved coordination with Turkey.
He also addressed broader regional stability, including the Eastern Mediterranean, the Ukraine conflict, and the Gaza situation, stressing the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law.
Looking ahead
Mitsotakis invited Erdogan to Greece for the next Council of Cooperation meeting, emphasising the need to maintain open channels for dialogue. He reiterated that disputes over maritime zones remain the only unresolved issue, which could be referred to an international court under the Law of the Sea.
Also read: Mitsotakis meets Erdoğan in Ankara’s “White Palace”
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