Greece Foreign Minister Yorgos Erapetritis, speaking of relations between Greece and Turkey, said: “We know about the problems that continue to exist. Even when we cannot easily find solutions, we are negotiating with a sense of historical responsibility to our peoples and Future generations at a time when there are many crises, we are aware of our responsibility for promoting the world, protecting international law, stability and well -being of peoples. “
The meeting of Erapetritis and Fidan took place as part of the visit of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Athens.
Speaking at a joint statement for the press after the meeting, Erapetritis appreciated bilateral relations.
Erapetritis said that bilateral relations are maintained on the basis of a political dialogue, a positive agenda and measures to strengthen trust, as well as contacts at a high level.
noting that 16 months have passed since his entry into account, Erapetritis said that during this time in bilateral relations, concrete progress was reached.
Erapetritis recalled that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greece Prime Minister Kiriyaki Mitsikitis met 6 times: “We decided that the next round of political dialogue and the meeting on a positive agenda will take place in Athens on December 2-3.”
Our goal is to bring two peoples closer
According to the Greek Minister, the problems between the two countries will not be magically resolved in one: “Indeed, there were difficult times last year. However, each time a sincere and fast connection was established to reduce tension.”
Erapetritis said that such a situation helped to achieve mutual understanding: “Our goal is to bring two peoples closer.”
Having stated that at today’s meeting, preparations were held for the 6th meeting of the High-level cooperation council (SSVU), which will be held between Turkey and Greece, Erapetritis noted that SSVU is important to promote a positive atmosphere in bilateral relations one more step forward. .
He stated that the volume of trade between the two countries increased significantly in 2024. The goal is to reach a trade volume of $ 10 billion.
The Greek minister added that Greece will continue to support the prospects for Turkish membership in the European Union (EU) under the EU legislation.
minorities are bridges of friendship
Erapetritis noted that the meeting also discussed the issue of national minorities: “Minorities are a friendship bridges for us. We are responsible for the equality of all citizens of our countries before the law.”