Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are set to meet in New York on Monday evening, marking the tenth encounter between the two leaders over the past six years.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of widespread geopolitical turmoil — from the war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East — while global attention also focuses on the Palestinian issue.
Athens’ goal is clear: to maintain open and functional communication channels at the highest possible level, in order to prevent crises. Diplomatic sources emphasize that Mitsotakis approaches the talks with this mindset, though the atmosphere today differs significantly from the “calm waters” seen after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey that temporarily eased tensions.
Points of friction
The friction between Athens and Ankara extends beyond bilateral disputes. Diverging interests in Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Cyprus, differing views on European defense, and their respective ties with the United States place the two countries on a collision course.
At the same time, both leaders want to project the image that dialogue remains alive. For Greece, avoiding a return to an era of heightened tensions is a priority. For Turkey, sustaining dialogue helps bolster its role in European defense discussions and its efforts to re-enter U.S. defense programs.
The agenda of tonight’s talks remains the key question. If the meeting stays at the level of protocol or general exchanges on international and regional issues, expectations will be met. However, if sensitive matters are raised — such as Turkey’s longstanding casus belli threat, energy exploration disputes, or Ankara’s frustration over Greek and Cypriot objections to Turkey’s participation in European defense projects — discussions could take a sharper turn.
“Dialogue must continue, even while recognizing differences,” diplomats note, a phrase that encapsulates the essence of the meeting.
A history of meetings
Since 2019, Mitsotakis and Erdoğan have met nine times, each encounter reflecting the fluctuating state of Greek-Turkish relations:
New York, September 2019
Their first meeting, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, came amid Turkish activities in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and increased migration flows to the Aegean islands. The two leaders agreed on the need to improve the climate for the benefit of both peoples.
London, December 2019
Perhaps the frostiest meeting, held shortly after the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, where Mitsotakis urged Erdoğan to step back from revisionist policies.
Brussels, June 2021
Following crises at the Evros border and over the Oruc Reis vessel near Kastellorizo, this meeting aimed to create personal communication channels to avoid escalation. It also came amid renewed U.S. and EU efforts to temper Turkish assertiveness.
Istanbul, March 2022
With the war in Ukraine dominating, many expected Turkey to soften its stance towards Greece. Instead, 2022 saw record violations of Greek airspace.
Vilnius, July 2023
After Turkey’s devastating earthquakes, relations briefly thawed. The leaders agreed to relaunch dialogue across three tracks: political consultations, a positive agenda, and confidence-building measures.
Athens, December 2023
The Athens Declaration was signed, committing both sides to avoid actions undermining good neighborly relations. Though criticized domestically, it set a framework for engagement.
Ankara, May 2024
A reciprocal visit confirmed the desire to keep communication channels open. Still, tensions flared over Middle East issues and Turkey’s conversion of the historic Chora Monastery into a mosque.
Washington, July 2024
Meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit, both agreed to sustain a positive climate. Cooperation on migration was highlighted as a success.
New York, September 2024
Their last meeting before attempts to organize a High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara faltered. By late 2024, foreign ministers admitted the two sides had failed to find common ground on maritime boundaries.
Throughout 2025, initiatives from both countries have continued to highlight the structural differences at the core of Greek-Turkish relations.
