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

The sixth High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting between Greece and Turkey is scheduled to take place on February 11, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will co-chair the discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the participation of relevant ministers from both nations.

Agenda Focuses on Bilateral and Regional Issues

The upcoming council meeting is expected to provide a comprehensive review of the relationship between the two neighboring countries and explore avenues for further cooperation. Discussions will encompass a range of bilateral and regional issues, aiming to strengthen communication channels and foster a stable, functional relationship amidst global uncertainties. The signing of various agreements designed to bolster bilateral ties is also anticipated during the visit.

Key areas of focus for the meeting include:

• Trade Expansion: Both nations are committed to increasing their bilateral trade volume, with a target set at $10 billion. Turkish exports to Greece notably rose from $3.1 billion in 2021 to $5.4 billion in 2025.
• Economic and Sectoral Cooperation: The 'positive agenda' initiative seeks to accelerate collaboration in diverse fields such as health, environment, culture, arts, tourism, and the broader economy.
• Maritime Issues: Greece is expected to address Turkish NAVTEX notices and present its plans for maritime spatial planning and marine parks.
• Regional Developments: The leaders will discuss critical regional and global developments, including situations in the Middle East, Ukraine, Iran, and Syria.
• Security Concerns: Turkey is anticipated to raise concerns regarding its exclusion from the SAFE program and the European defense architecture, as well as Greece's relationship with Israel.

Historical Context and Persistent Differences

The High-Level Cooperation Council was established in 2010 following a Turkish initiative, providing an institutional framework for high-level dialogue. The upcoming meeting marks the sixth iteration of the council. The previous, fifth meeting took place in Athens in December 2023, signaling a resumption of high-level talks after a seven-year hiatus.

Despite the efforts to improve relations and de-escalate tensions, significant differences persist between Athens and Ankara. A primary point of contention remains the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. While Greece maintains its position based on international law, Turkey seeks changes to the status quo. Greek government sources indicate that while there is no current convergence for resolving this core difference through international arbitration, the objective of the meeting is to maintain open communication channels and a functional relationship.