ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation, despite their disagreements.

Erdogan and Mitsotakis met behind closed doors in Istanbul on Sunday, according to Turkey's presidential office, with the main topic of discussion being bilateral and international relations, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as per reports.

Despite certain differences between the two countries, Erdogan and Mitsotakis agreed to maintain communication channels open and enhance bilateral relations, according to the statement.

The Turkish leader informed Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that he remains committed to raising relations to a new level and progressing on issues that have strained their ties. The two NATO members have had a long history of disagreements over a variety of issues, including maritime and energy challenges in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Mitsotakis spoke to the Greek community at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul, calling for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts in Ukraine to allow for new prospects for conversation, reconciliation, and peace.

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