After Two Years, Ankara Hosts Critical Türkiye–Greece Summit

Türkiye and Greece resumed their High-Level Cooperation Council meeting in Ankara, co-chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The talks marked a renewed effort to restore momentum in bilateral relations that have been strained by disputes in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Joint Declaration and Cooperation Agreements

Following the meeting, Erdoğan and Mitsotakis signed a joint declaration, along with several memorandums of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ institutions.

The agreements covered a wide range of areas, including the promotion of investment, finance, and foreign trade, the launch of roll-on/roll-off ferry services between the ports of Izmir and Thessaloniki, enhanced cooperation within the Black Sea Economic Cooperation framework, and joint efforts on earthquake preparedness.

Additional memorandums focused on expanding collaboration in culture, as well as in science and technology, reflecting a broader push to institutionalize cooperation beyond political dialogue.

Erdoğan: Issues Are Difficult but Not Unsolvable

Speaking at the joint press conference, Turkish President Erdoğan said he and Mitsotakis had openly and sincerely discussed their respective positions on the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

While acknowledging the complexity of the disputes, Erdoğan said they were not insoluble when addressed on the basis of international law. He added that he and Mitsotakis shared common ground on the importance of maintaining dialogue channels.

Erdoğan also raised expectations regarding the full enjoyment of religious freedoms and educational rights by the Turkish minority in Western Thrace, stressing the importance of mutual respect and good-neighborly relations.

“As two neighbors, I believe it is essential to keep dialogue channels open and to prioritize cooperation,” Erdoğan said.

Mitsotakis: Dialogue Is Invaluable

Mitsotakis thanked Erdoğan for Türkiye’s hospitality and said the meeting demonstrated the value of sustained dialogue and good-neighborly relations.

He outlined that bilateral engagement would continue along three main tracks: political dialogue, a positive agenda focused on cooperation, and confidence-building measures.

On travel, Mitsotakis highlighted the fast-track visa scheme allowing Turkish citizens to visit Greek islands, noting that hundreds of thousands of Turkish visitors had benefited from the program. He said Athens would work to ensure the scheme continues this year.

Migration, Regional Stability, and Disputes

Mitsotakis also pointed to cooperation on irregular migration, stating that illegal crossings had declined by around 60 percent. He said both countries should work together to contribute to regional stability despite ongoing challenges.

Acknowledging unresolved issues, Mitsotakis said disagreements remain over the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones in the Aegean. He maintained that such disputes could be addressed within the framework of international law, while sharing Erdoğan’s cautious optimism about the future of bilateral ties.

On Cyprus, Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s position, saying United Nations Security Council resolutions provide an opportunity to reopen dialogue.

Focus on a Positive Agenda

Both leaders aim to shift Türkiye-Greece relations back toward a positive cooperation agenda after a period marked by heightened rhetoric over Aegean tensions. While tangible progress is expected in areas such as economy, trade, tourism, and transportation, officials note that breakthroughs on contentious issues like territorial waters, maritime boundaries, and militarization remain challenging.