Greece and Turkey to Hold Sixth High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for the sixth High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting. This summit aims to further dialogue and cooperation between the two neighboring NATO allies, building on recent efforts to de-escalate tensions. The meeting will see the participation of relevant cabinet ministers from both countries, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the discussions.

Agenda for Enhanced Cooperation

The agenda for the sixth HLCC is expected to cover a broad range of bilateral and regional issues. Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran stated that the meeting will 'review Türkiye–Greece relations in all their dimensions' and explore 'opportunities to advance cooperation between the two neighboring countries.' Discussions are anticipated to focus on a 'positive agenda' encompassing areas such as health, environment, culture, tourism, and the economy. A key economic objective is to increase the bilateral trade volume to $10 billion. Furthermore, talks are expected to include an exchange of views on regional and global developments. The signing of various agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations is also on the agenda.

Addressing Bilateral and Regional Issues

While the focus is on cooperation, the leaders are also expected to address existing bilateral issues. Greece has emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels to prevent and de-escalate potential crises. Cooperation on migration-refugee issues and the facilitation of short-term visa issuance for Turkish citizens to Greek islands are also areas of discussion. However, significant disagreements, particularly concerning the delimitation of maritime zones in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, are not expected to be a central part of the negotiations, as both sides acknowledge a lack of convergence on these 'thorny issues.'

Context of Recent Diplomatic Engagement

This upcoming meeting follows the fifth HLCC held in Athens on December 7, 2023, which marked the first such gathering in seven years. That meeting saw the signing of the 'Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness,' laying a foundation for improved relations. The current dialogue reflects a sustained effort to normalize and improve relations between Ankara and Athens, despite historical complexities and ongoing disputes. Greek diplomatic sources indicate that while major disputes remain, the established framework for dialogue has been crucial in preventing serious flare-ups and maintaining lower tensions.