The third high-level council meeting between Greece and Turkey concluded on Saturday, with both sides agreeing upon the need to further develop the ties between the two countries. The Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu traveled to Athens as tensions between the two countries have escalated over the developments in Cyprus.
The Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras commented that there were differences between the two and stated that both sides strived for a relationship of mutual respect that will support cooperation and stability in the region. Mr. Samaras argued that mutual respect, respect for international law and defending national sovereignty were requirements.
Mr. Samaras supported a UN-based solution to the Cypriot dispute and repeated that Athens backs Turkey’s European prospects. He also referred to how entrepreneurs from both countries have managed to strengthen ties between the two countries. His Turkish counterpart associated the solution to the Cypriot dispute with hydrocarbons and added that Turkey joining Europe would benefit Greece as well.
In the joint communiqué that was later released, the two countries have agreed to increase their cooperation in tourism, trade, combating illegal immigration and counter-terrorism efforts, among others areas.
