Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan is in Greece for talks on confidence building between the two countries.

Babacan and his Greek counterpart, Dora Bakoyannis, told reporters Tuesday in Athens they have agreed to increase military and economic cooperation, conduct high-level visits and participate in joint search and rescue efforts.

Turkish Foreign Minister Visits Greece to Push Confidence-Building Measures

Bakoyannis said Greece supports Turkey's efforts to join the European Union.

Turkish Foreign Minister Visits Greece to Push Confidence-Building Measures

Turkey and Greece have long been at odds over Cyprus and Aegean Sea territorial disputes, but their relationship has improved in recent years.

Turkish Foreign Minister Visits Greece to Push Confidence-Building Measures

Last month, Greek and Turkish officials opened a pipeline project that will carry natural gas from Azerbaijan through Turkey and Greece to Italy.

Babacan's two-day visit to Greece includes meetings with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, President Karolos Papoulias and other top Greek officials.

He is also scheduled to visit a Turkish community in northeastern Greece.