Erdogan and Mitsotakis Meet in Ankara: Time to Remove Threats and Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Ankara, Turkey – In a significant diplomatic meeting on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened in Ankara for the 6th Supreme Cooperation Council, emphasizing dialogue, stability, and pragmatic collaboration as pillars for improving bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. The meeting, which lasted approximately an hour and a half, marked a renewed commitment to constructive engagement amid a rapidly changing international landscape.

Both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining calm and responsible interactions, underscoring that disputes should be addressed through diplomacy rather than escalation. Mitsotakis highlighted the progress achieved since 2023 in three key areas: political dialogue, a positive cooperation agenda, and confidence-building measures. He reiterated Greece’s dedication to mutual respect and ongoing dialogue, insisting that differences must not transform into crises or tensions.

During the talks, Mitsotakis invited President Erdogan to visit Athens for the next meeting of the Supreme Cooperation Council, stating that it is “time to remove any threat from our bilateral relations.” He added, “If not now, when?” This invitation reflects both a gesture of goodwill and a strategic step toward reinforcing trust and communication between the two governments.

On the matter of maritime boundaries, Mitsotakis affirmed that this remains the only unresolved issue between Greece and Turkey, suggesting that international legal arbitration, based on the Law of the Sea, could provide a viable solution. He also addressed minority rights, highlighting that Greek policies toward minorities, grounded in the Treaty of Lausanne, aim to serve as a bridge of friendship between communities.

The Greek Prime Minister pointed to recent agreements that further expand bilateral cooperation, praising the tangible progress achieved as the result of joint efforts. He emphasized that these advances “were neither automatic nor guaranteed,” highlighting the importance of continued collaboration.

Migration issues were also discussed, with Mitsotakis noting a 60% decline in irregular flows and stressing the ongoing priority of combating migrant smuggling. He referenced last week’s tragic incident near the island of Chios, where 15 Afghan migrants lost their lives after their vessel collided with a Coast Guard ship, calling it a stark reminder of the need for effective regional cooperation.

Economic collaboration emerged as another key topic. Mitsotakis underlined the significance of Turkish investments in Greece and Greek investments in Turkey, framing them as components of a broader regional partnership that could contribute to stability in a region challenged by multiple crises.

President Erdogan responded by acknowledging that disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, though complex, are solvable with sustained dialogue. He outlined plans to enhance trade and economic cooperation and expressed interest in closer collaboration on counter-terrorism and organized crime efforts. Erdogan also addressed concerns related to the Muslim minority in Western Thrace and emphasized that Turkey’s participation in European defense initiatives serves shared interests, reinforcing the value of open communication channels.

This meeting marked the first high-level encounter between Erdogan and Mitsotakis in 17 months, signaling a renewed commitment to diplomacy, economic partnership, and regional stability. Analysts view this engagement as a crucial step toward reducing tensions and fostering a pragmatic approach to challenges affecting the Eastern Mediterranean.

By reaffirming their willingness to cooperate and resolve disputes responsibly, both Turkey and Greece aim to set an example for regional collaboration while strengthening ties that are essential for security, economic growth, and social cohesion.