Greece and Turkey have agreed to establish a direct security hotline and launch joint operations against transnational crime syndicates, marking a significant deepening of security ties between the historic rivals.
Following high-level talks in Istanbul, Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis and Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced a new framework to dismantle criminal networks, specifically targeting Turkish gangs operating within Greek borders.
"We face common enemies," Mr. Chrysochoidis said, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to drug trafficking and smuggling.
The agreement prioritizes real-time intelligence sharing.
Mr. Chrysochoidis proposed a dedicated mechanism to identify Turkish suspects active in Greece and urged the swift issuance of Interpol red notices for fugitives holding Turkish arrest warrants.
Mr. Yerlikaya echoed the call for decisive action, suggesting a crisis management protocol and highlighting the value of trilateral cooperation with Bulgaria to secure the region’s land borders.
The ministers also reviewed progress on migration, noting that joint efforts over the past two years have stabilized flows along their shared frontier.
They further praised the ongoing special visa program allowing Turkish citizens to visit 10 eastern Aegean islands, a measure credited with boosting local economies and diplomatic goodwill.
The Dec. 18 meeting underscores a pragmatic shift in Athens-Ankara relations, moving beyond decades of maritime tension toward functional cooperation.
While opposition parties in Greece have demanded transparency regarding the security pacts, officials insist the collaboration is essential to safeguard both nations from escalating gang violence.