Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently met in Ankara for a significant diplomatic summit, aiming to improve bilateral relations. This meeting, the first of its kind in two years, was inspired by the spirit of cooperation established in the "Declaration of Athens" last December. Both leaders expressed a strong commitment to neighbourly relations and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing ongoing dialogue and the avoidance of any escalatory actions.
The primary goal of this high-level gathering was to establish a more constructive bilateral agenda, moving beyond historical territorial disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. A key economic objective was reiterated: to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2030, a notable rise from the $7 billion achieved in 2025. This economic ambition, combined with a significant 60% reduction in irregular migration flows over the past year, provided a solid basis for cooperation. The successful implementation of a tripartite migration management mechanism involving Bulgaria was cited as proof of effective joint action on shared challenges.
However, deeply entrenched disagreements concerning maritime boundaries, specifically the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, could not be entirely avoided. Despite these persistent issues, both leaders conveyed a willingness to seek resolutions, exploring avenues within international law. President Erdoğan believes these differences are surmountable with "good will, constructive dialogue and the will for a solution.” Prime Minister Mitsotakis echoed this sentiment, urging the complete cessation of all threats in bilateral interactions, asking pointedly, "If not now, when?" The possibility of international arbitration, based on the law of the sea, was also discussed, indicating a cautious openness to external legal frameworks.
The complex issue of Cyprus was also on the agenda. Greece reiterated its stance, advocating for a resolution strictly within United Nations frameworks. While the summit outcomes signal a positive shift towards diplomatic engagement, their long-term impact depends on translating this renewed commitment into tangible policy changes and consistent behaviour. The agreement to hold a future Supreme Council meeting in Athens signifies a commitment to maintaining momentum, but the true test will be the practical de-escalation of tensions and the genuine pursuit of mutually beneficial solutions to the intricate geopolitical and territorial challenges defining the relationship between these neighbouring nations. The business communities of both Greece and Turkey were also acknowledged for their role in bolstering economic ties, underscoring the broader societal implications of this diplomatic rapprochement.