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"If not now, when?", Erdogan and Mitsotakis meet in Ankara: Time to remove any threat from our relations

2026-02-11 19:50:25Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Erdogan and Mitsotakis meet in Ankara

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on Wednesday in Ankara, within the framework of the 6th Supreme Cooperation Council, where they emphasized dialogue, stability and pragmatic cooperation as the basis for improving bilateral relations.

The meeting between the two leaders lasted about an hour and a half.

They underlined the need for a calm and constructive engagement between the two neighboring countries, in an unstable and constantly changing international environment.

Mitsotakis stressed the importance of good neighborly relations, noting that since 2023 both sides have progressed on three main pillars: political dialogue, a positive cooperation agenda, and confidence-building measures.

He stressed that disputes should be handled "calmly and responsibly", without turning into crises or tensions, reaffirming Greece's commitment to dialogue and mutual respect.

The Greek Prime Minister invited President Erdogan to visit Athens for the upcoming meeting of the High Cooperation Council and declared that it is “time to remove any threat from our relations,” adding: “If not now, when?”

Reiterating Athens' position, Mitsotakis stressed that the only dispute between the two countries relates to the delimitation of maritime borders, an issue that, according to him, can be referred to international arbitration on the basis of the Law of the Sea. He added that Greece's position on minorities is clear and based on the Treaty of Lausanne, emphasizing that minorities should serve as "bridges of friendship between our peoples."

Mitsotakis noted that the recently signed agreements further expand bilateral cooperation and described the progress achieved as a result of joint efforts, emphasizing that these steps were "neither self-evident nor guaranteed."

Regarding migration, he stated that irregular flows have decreased by 60%, while the fight against migrant smuggling remains a continuing priority. The Greek Prime Minister also referred to last week's tragedy near the island of Chios, where 15 Afghan migrants lost their lives after their boat collided with a Coast Guard vessel, describing this as a strong reminder of the need for effective cooperation.

He also stressed the importance of Turkish investments in Greece and Greek investments in Turkey, as part of a broader regional cooperation model, underlining that the two countries can jointly contribute to the stability of a region challenged by multiple crises.

For his part, President Erdogan stated that the disputes in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, "although complex, are not insoluble if there is a will for dialogue."

He highlighted plans for increased trade and economic cooperation, as well as expectations for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. Erdogan also mentioned issues related to the Muslim minority in Western Thrace.

The Turkish president added that Turkey's participation in European defense initiatives "serves common interests" and stressed that the two countries should keep the channels of dialogue open.

The previous official meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdogan took place 17 months ago.


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