Greece and Turkey have agreed to significantly strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against organised transnational crime, following high-level talks in Istanbul between Greek Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis and Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Mr Chrysochoidis paid an official visit to Istanbul on Thursday, December 18, 2025, where the two ministers held extensive discussions on security challenges requiring joint action. Central to the talks was the creation of a direct “open line” between the security and organised crime units of both countries, aimed at improving real-time communication and coordination.
A key focus was the growing activity of Turkish criminal organisations operating in Greece. The two sides agreed on closer cooperation to dismantle these networks, including joint operations targeting drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other forms of illicit trade. The ministers also discussed cooperation in combating the illegal trafficking of tobacco products, fuel and gold, as well as addressing cross-border weapons smuggling originating from the Turkish interior.
Migration was another major issue raised during the meeting. Mr Chrysochoidis noted that Greece and Turkey face common challenges and emphasised that, over the past two years, coordinated efforts between the two countries had led to a measurable improvement in managing irregular migration flows.
The Greek minister also highlighted the importance of utilising European and international mechanisms, including Europol and Interpol, to tackle organised crime more effectively. He proposed the establishment of a dedicated rapid communication channel to facilitate the identification of detained Turkish nationals and called for the swift issuance of Interpol Red Notices when Turkish arrest warrants are in place.
From the Turkish side, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya welcomed the Greek delegation and stressed that combating organised crime and illegal migration remains a top priority for Ankara. He proposed the development of a joint crisis-management mechanism and enhanced intelligence-sharing, including through Interpol, to improve operational effectiveness.
The discussions also touched on the special tourist visa regime allowing Turkish citizens to visit 10 Greek islands in the eastern Aegean, a scheme credited with boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Mr Chrysochoidis described the outcome of the talks as the establishment of a clear institutional framework that demonstrates the shared determination of Greece and Turkey to confront common threats to security. The visit concluded at the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul, where the Greek delegation met with consular staff.
