Speaking at the start of joint statements with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mitsotakis said the two leaders had carried out a ‘detailed, comprehensive assessment’ of bilateral relations over the past two years. He noted that in 2023 Greece had made a ‘strategic choice’ to structure contacts around three pillars: political dialogue, a positive agenda and confidence-building measures.

‘Through this process, we have indeed restored a clear network of meetings and open channels of communication for the benefit of the two peoples,’ the prime minister said. He added that, with the involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a new model of direct cooperation had been established, aimed at achieving ‘a mutually beneficial, but primarily a functional relationship’.

‘As neighbouring countries, after all, Mr President, Greece and Turkey, Turkey and Greece, we are called to manage our problems calmly and responsibly, speaking honestly and always having a firm reference to international law,’ Mitsotakis stated.

He stressed that even when disagreements arise, they should not lead to crises and tensions. ‘Greece is a Western country, we are always oriented towards dialogue, which should be conducted in good faith and mutual respect,’ he said.

Referring to recent contacts, Mitsotakis noted that a new round of political dialogue and talks on the positive agenda had been held in Athens a few weeks earlier, describing the results as ‘extremely encouraging’. He added that annual actions within the framework of confidence-building measures had been finalised and that the two sides had agreed on new joint initiatives broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation.

The seven texts signed

Within the framework of the 6th SCC, the following seven texts were signed:

  • Joint declaration between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Turkey

  • Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of culture

  • Joint declaration on cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Turkey within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization

  • Joint statement on cooperation between Enterprise Greece and Invest in Turkiye

  • Joint declaration on the launch of a bilateral cooperation programme in research and technology

  • Joint declaration on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of earthquake preparedness

  • Joint declaration on the introduction of a coastal ferry connection between the ports of Thessaloniki and Izmir

For his part, Erdogan said that issues related to the fight against terrorism and organised crime had also been discussed. Referring to minorities, which he described as ‘the human element of our relations’, he said the two sides must act ‘with a sense of historical responsibility’. He added that he had conveyed his expectation that what he called the ‘Turkish minority of Western Thrace’ should fully benefit from religious and educational freedoms.

Erdogan noted that the two NATO allies face developments that threaten security and stability and argued that Turkey’s participation in Europe’s defence initiatives is in the common interest of both countries.

He also said regional developments had been discussed, including the situation in Gaza and efforts towards peace. Turkey, he stated, rejects Israel’s recent decisions to extend control to the West Bank and weaken the Palestinian Authority.

‘Lasting peace and stability in the Middle East passes through a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution. We will continue to defend this solution. I believe that Greece, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, will maintain the prospect of a two-state solution on the Council’s agenda for the benefit of our region,’ the Turkish president said.

Finally, Erdogan said the issue of Syria and steps needed to consolidate peace had been examined, adding that ‘it is clear how essential the constructive role we have taken on this issue is not only for Syria but also for the security of Greece and Europe’. He concluded that, as neighbours and allies, ‘we must keep the channels of dialogue open based on cooperation’.

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