Greek, Turkish leaders pledge to solve differences, boost overall cooperation

Turkish PM's Greece visit aimed at improving bilateral ties

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou (R) and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayip Erdogan have a panoramic view of Athens during the first bilateral High-Level Council Strategic Partnership meeting in Athens, capital of Greece, on May 14, 2010. Erdogan arrived in Athens on Friday for a two-day visit, during which the two neighboring countries hope to open a new chapter in their troubled relations. (Xinhua/Phasma)

ATHENS, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Greece and Turkey signed on Thursday 21 agreements to enhance overall cooperation as the two long-time rivals ended their first-ever joint cabinet meeting in Athens.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayip Erdogan stressed their determination to make every possible effort from now on to solve long-standing differences and work together for the benefit of both peoples.

The agreements, ranging from economy and trade, transport and energy, culture and tourism, technology and education, to illegal migration and counterterrorism, pave the way to that direction, the two leaders noted.

"Problems always exist, but if we are determined, then there are not problems that cannot be solved. We know that there always be risks in economy, politics and life, but we can overcome them with determination," said Erdogan.

"We share this willingness to address the bilateral differences. This is a historic day. This is the start of a new era in bilateral ties that lead to strengthening of peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region," Papandreou pointed out.

Erdogan repeatedly mentioned disarmament of Turkish jet fighters that fly over the Aegean sea, where they are faced by Greek ones, in dangerous mock fights.

Greek Defense Ministry reported at least two such cases on Friday, as Erdogan started a two-day visit characterized as historical by both sides.

Papandreou answered cautiously during a press conference held on Friday evening that these encounters could be avoided if Turkey submitted to Athens flight patterns "as good neighbors do."

Referring to another difficult issue in Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue, Erdogan suggested that negotiations between the two sides on the island should continue from the point they reached before the election of a new Turkish Cypriot leader.

Asked about the distrust among Greece and Turkey in some cases, Papandreou stressed that fear of threats to sovereignty and stereotypes belong to the past.

As Greece faces a severe economic crisis which has led to the involvement of the International Monetary Fund, Turkey which had experienced similar difficulties a few years ago promised to help the neighbor country with advice and investments.

Πηγή: English.news.cn