Robertson said the two countries "have agreed on cooperation between their national defence colleges, for example in the field of science and on subjects of mutual interest, such as NATO issues, military doctrines, crisis management, peacekeeping, natural disasters, environmental issues and others."

Athens and Ankara, frequently at a point of armed antagonism in the past, earlier agreed to inform each other mutually about upcoming military exercises.

Tensions between the two Mediterranean states, top summer spots for sun-seeking Europeans, have been on the wane and, as NATO members, they are military allies.

But the two remain at loggerheads over air control and territorial rights in the Aegean, accusing each other of violations, and dogfights between Greek and Turkish fighter planes are a frequent occurrence.

Robertson said the two countries also agreed to send up to five officers to each other's training centers established under NATO's partnership for peace program.

This was established in 1994 to enhance stability and security throughout Europe. The program seeks to forge defense partnerships between member countries.

On Monday, the Greek foreign minister, George Papandreou, urged Turkey to extend a mutual summertime ban on military flights over the Aegean Sea.

WAR.WIRE