Greece and Turkey Set for February 11 Summit Amid Aegean Tensions

Greece and Turkey are scheduled to meet for the 6th Supreme Council of Cooperation in Ankara on February 11, marking a critical diplomatic engagement over Aegean maritime disputes. According to Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, Athens will enter the dialogue with confidence and in full compliance with International Law, emphasizing that no concessions will be made regarding its sovereign rights.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted that Greece has already extended its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea and retains the inalienable right to extend them to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean, in accordance with international law. Mitsotakis stressed that any disagreements could also be referred to an international adjudicatory body, provided that threats of conflict and ambiguous territorial claims do not interfere with negotiations.

The Turkish government, responding through the Ministry of National Defense, reaffirmed its longstanding position on the 12-nautical-mile limit, describing Greek statements as “contrary to international law and unacceptable.” The statement emphasized that these claims produce no legal effect for Turkey, while Turkish armed forces continue to protect national maritime rights under the “Blue Homeland” strategy.

The summit is seen not only as a technical negotiation but also as a signal of Greece’s commitment to protect its maritime sovereignty and uphold regional stability. Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized that maintaining freedom of navigation in the Aegean involves international considerations beyond bilateral Greek–Turkish relations.

The upcoming talks carry strategic significance for the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability, positioning Greece as a key regional actor in a complex geopolitical landscape.