Mitsotakis: Ground ready for Supreme Cooperation Council with Turkey in 2026 – US-Greece ties “excellent”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his belief that “the ground is ready” for the convening of the Supreme Cooperation Council with Turkey in the first quarter of 2026, speaking at the Athens Policy Dialogues.

“I believe the ground is ready for us to hold the Supreme Cooperation Council in the first quarter of 2026,” he said, adding that there is “broad cooperation under what we call a ‘positive agenda’.”

Dialogue with Giannis Pretenteris

G. Pretenteris: Speaking of good friends, are you planning a meeting with Erdoğan? K. Mitsotakis: I believe the ground is ready for the Supreme Cooperation Council in Q1 2026. G. Pretenteris: The first quarter? K. Mitsotakis: Yes, last year there were many pending issues. Such a meeting does not need to come with a spectacular announcement. We can review existing relations. There is a wide variety of cooperation, not “low politics” as some call it.

The Prime Minister emphasized that regular communication with Turkey is essential to prevent unexpected crises.

 Greece–US Relations and Energy Priorities

At the Vima conference, Mitsotakis noted:

• Greece-US bilateral relations are excellent, independent of timing or visits.
• Turkey cannot enter the SAFE system, while the discovery of natural gas “changes everything” for energy initiatives.
• Strategic cooperation depends on the overall framework, not just circumstances.

Strategy with Turkey and Diplomatic Balance

The Prime Minister reminded that:

• Before the Athens Declaration, relations were “worryingly tense.”
• There is functional cooperation on migration, with positive outcomes from the visa program for Greek islands.
• Greece has set clear boundaries, such as on European defense programs, reiterating that Turkey will not enter SAFE while the casus belli exists.

Libya, Migration, and the Middle East

• The situation in Libya remains complex, but Greece maintains steady communication with all sides.
• On migration, the situation is improving compared to the last six months.
• Regarding Palestine: “Recognition will happen eventually,” without a set timeline.
• The strategic relationship with Israel is deeply rooted, under the 3+1 framework, ensuring Israel’s right to self-defense, though Mitsotakis acknowledged that Israel sometimes exceeded limits in its response to Hamas attacks.

Source: pagenews.gr