In a joint press conference following a closed-door meeting at the Prime Minister’s building in Athens, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced their commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation, TuraNews.kz reports citing Anadolu Agency.
President Erdogan stated that Türkiye is dedicated to resolving differences with Greece through constructive dialogue, good neighborliness, and joint efforts within the framework of international law. He emphasized the shared goal of transforming the Aegean Sea into a region of peace and cooperation, highlighting the importance of diplomatic discussions between Ankara and Athens.
Addressing the Cyprus issue, Erdogan stressed the need for a fair, long-term, and sustainable solution based on the island’s realities, asserting that such a resolution would benefit the entire region. He welcomed the closure of the Lavrion camp and emphasized the importance of preventing the emergence of similar camps that could harbor terrorists in Greece.
President Erdogan expressed confidence that there are no problems between Türkiye and Greece that cannot be solved. He cited the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness as a testament to their desire to develop relations and highlighted the positive outcomes of the 2021 joint action plan. The leaders agreed to double the current trade volume of $5 billion to $10 billion, emphasizing the significance of projects like the construction of the second bridge at the Ipsala-Kipi border crossing.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations between Türkiye and Greece and finding solutions to existing problems. He stressed the necessity for interaction between the two neighboring countries.
Erdogan, recalling his last visit to Greece in 2017, expressed his pleasure at being in Athens again and participating in the 5th meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council. The leaders concluded the day with a joint working dinner after the press conference.
