Greek Premier calls Erdogan's visit "historic"

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said his Turkish counter Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Athens was not an ordinary one, but "historic". Papandreou said the agreements signed between Turkey and Greece on Friday proved the historic nature of Erdogan's visit, adding that the Turkish premier was a courageous and a visionary leader.

"We have reviewed our dialogue and discussed ways to make headway to the future," Papandreou told reporters during a joint press conference with Erdogan.

The Greek premier said the two countries exerted efforts to make progress on "important everyday issues" regarding relations, adding that Turkish-Greek relations had a potential to achieve concrete results. Touching on the Cyprus issue, Papandreou said Turkey and Greece would have much closer ties if a lasting and a fair settlement was reached on the island.

Papandreou reiterated his country support for Turkey's membership in the European Union, adding that both the Turkish and the Greek people had a vision for living in peace.

The Greek premier said his government was working to hold Turkish visitors exempt from visa requirement for their stay in Greece for up to 24 hours. Papandreou said Turkish and Greek people should overcome old fears and concerns about each other, which he said could be achieved through good neighborly relations.


/AzerTAc/