The long-awaited technical meeting between representatives of the Greek port authorities and the Turkish coast guard will take place on November 12 on the island of Chios. It was postponed earlier this year due to the tension between the two countries, reports the newspaper "Kathimerini", quoted by BTA.
The purpose of the meeting is to strengthen cooperation in the Aegean, with the emphasis on combating human trafficking and improving communication between local authorities. Greek officials stressed the importance of better coordination, especially given the growing migration challenges. A senior official noted that vessels departing from Turkey can reach Greek islands such as Symi in just nine minutes, underscoring the need for faster and more effective coordination between the two countries' navies.
The meeting will take place in the context of increased migration pressure. Recently, two migrants died in a shipwreck off the coast of Samos. In another incident near the island of Kos, Greek coast guard officers clashed with human traffickers, resulting in the injury of two officers and the hospitalization of one of the traffickers, Kathimerini recalled.
In addition, Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya is expected to visit Greece later in November, which is expected to contribute to further strengthening bilateral efforts to address migration and improve maritime security.
The talks are a sign of a renewed commitment on the part of Greece and Turkey to solve the urgent problems in the Aegean region, concludes “Kathimerini”.