Turkish and Greek Leaders Affirm Commitment to Counter Terrorism
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have emphasized the importance of strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation in combating terrorism, during a joint news conference held in Ankara on Monday.
President Erdogan affirmed, “We agree there is no place for terrorist groups in our region’s future,” underscoring the shared commitment of Türkiye and Greece to combatting terrorism and ensuring regional stability.
Both leaders reiterated their dedication to resolving bilateral issues through cordial dialogue, good neighborly relations, and adherence to international law, as outlined in the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good-Neighborliness, signed last year.
“We are actively working towards increasing our bilateral trade with Greece to $10 billion, building upon the $6 billion trade volume recorded last year,” President Erdogan announced, highlighting the economic potential for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
Furthermore, President Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s expectation for the positive momentum in bilateral relations to contribute to the protection of the rights of the Turkish minority in Greece.
Addressing the Cyprus issue, President Erdogan stressed the importance of finding a fair, permanent, and fact-based solution, affirming that such a resolution would bolster regional stability and peace.
Expressing gratitude for Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s efforts in improving bilateral relations, President Erdogan underscored the tangible and positive outcomes arising from the enhanced cooperation between Türkiye and Greece.
In response, Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Ankara, highlighting the frequency of meetings between the two nations over the past 10 months as indicative of a productive normality in bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis noted the progress made in three key areas of political dialogue, positive agenda, and confidence-building measures, characterizing these developments as significant contributions to international peace and regional stability.
On the issue of irregular migration, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s support for increased EU assistance to Türkiye, recognizing the mutual challenges faced by both nations and the necessity for collaborative efforts to address them effectively.
The joint press conference concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing cooperation, fostering understanding, and promoting stability in the region through constructive dialogue and collaboration.
