Turkish, Greek Ministers Deliberate on Strengthening Cooperation in Aegean Sea
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: In a significant diplomatic move, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya held a productive meeting with Greece’s Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianidis, in the capital city of Ankara. The primary objective of this meeting was to bolster cooperation and collaboration between the two neighboring countries.
The discussions, held on Thursday, covered a wide range of topics aimed at fortifying ties within the respective responsibilities of the Turkish Interior Ministry and the Greek Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy. Minister Yerlikaya conveyed that both delegations actively engaged in exchanging views to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
One key focus of the deliberations was the joint effort against irregular migration in the Aegean Sea and the combatting of migrant smuggling. Minister Yerlikaya underscored the significance of developing strategic measures to address these shared challenges, emphasizing the need for a unified front in tackling issues related to migration.
In his statement, Minister Yerlikaya highlighted, “Additionally, the issue of strengthening cooperation and communication between the Turkish-Greek Coast Guard authorities was evaluated.” This signifies a concerted effort to improve coordination and information sharing between the Coast Guard units of both nations, thereby contributing to the overall security and stability in the region.
As a testament to the commitment to fostering closer ties, Minister Stylianidis paid a courtesy visit to the Turkish Coast Guard Command. This gesture underscores the importance of building trust and collaboration at various levels of government, particularly in matters related to maritime security and border control.
The meeting between the Turkish and Greek ministers reflects a positive step towards constructive diplomatic relations and regional stability. The commitment to addressing common challenges and finding shared solutions is indicative of the shared responsibility both countries feel towards maintaining peace and security in the region.
The governments of Turkey and Greece look forward to furthering this spirit of cooperation and engagement for the mutual benefit of their nations and the broader international community. The discussions held during this meeting set a positive tone for the future, fostering an environment conducive to ongoing collaboration and understanding between the two neighboring states.
