





The need for mutual respect and trust between Greece and Turkey was the key point Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras stressed after the conclusion of the Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council that was held in Athens.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stated, “Our first meeting in Athens created surprising impressions. However, the aftermath of those joint ministerial meetings is exceptional and we will continue them. A climate of mutual understanding has been established that allow us to cooperate. We will continue the cooperation efforts. We discussed transport issues and saw that we complement each other. We are the gate to Asia and Greece the gate to Europe. We hope the Cyprus issue to be solved in order for our cooperation in the energy sector to increase.”

The two delegations discussed several issues, reviewed the work done in the past four years and signed 47 cooperation agreements between the two countries. Samaras said that there were disagreements on certain points but mutual respect and respect to international law will help overcome differences.

On the Cyprus issue, where the two sides disagreed, Samaras said Athens backed United Nations-mediated negotiations aimed at reunifying the island and a decision by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades to pull out of the talks, a move prompted by Turkey’s violation of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

However, Samaras stated that, “Greece will continue to support Turkey’s European accession course. It is useful for our neighbor to be member of the European family, after fulfilling the requirements. Turkey must be certain that it will have huge benefits from its accession in the European Union.”

Samaras also referred to the Greek-Turkish business forum saying that Greek and Turkish entrepreneurs had the opportunity to enhance their cooperation by contributing in the binding of the two countries relations that will benefit the economy “Stability, trust and security boost the growth and prosperity in both countries. These are the ideas we promote, safeguard and work for,” the Greek PM concluded.

On his part, Davutoglu also referred to the Parthenon Marbles noting “We support Greece on its effort for the sculpture of God Ilissos to return to the Acropolis Museum.”

Davutoglu also expressed his wish for Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades’ rapid recovery in order for negotiations between the two communities to continue.

Finally, the Turkish PM thanked the Greek government for the support it offers to Turkey’s European accession course and referred to the Thrace Muslim minorities saying that minority citizens are bridges that link the two countries.



