Statement from Greece to Turkey on 'mutual understanding'

Gerapetritis stated regarding bilateral relations with Turkey, "It is important to maintain composure and mutual understanding because many different issues that could create tension have piled up. Our desire is to find common ground so that we can move forward together."

Stating that the rapprochement process in bilateral relations with Turkey is progressing smoothly within the framework of confidence-building measures, a positive agenda, and other channels of dialogue, Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis expressed that this rapprochement has yielded very productive results over the last 2 years.

"IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING"

Gerapetritis stated regarding bilateral relations with Turkey, "It is important to maintain composure and mutual understanding because many different issues that could create tension have piled up. Our desire is to find common ground so that we can move forward together. As you know, we are condemned by geography, and for 2 years we have been striving to turn geography into a bridge."

Expressing that he is pleased and optimistic due to the activity regarding negotiations on the Cyprus issue, Gerapetritis said, "The international climate requires unity, not division."

Gerapetritis noted that there is no postponement due to any problems regarding the High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting planned to be held in Turkey this year between Turkey and Greece, and that the relevant date will be shaped according to the schedules of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

"NOT SUBJECT TO ANY PERMISSION"

On the other hand, stating that the electricity interconnection planned between Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) is a program partially financed by the European Union (EU), Gerapetritis said, "The desire of Greece and Cyprus is for the relevant research to continue normally and for the electricity cable line to be laid. In any case, the laying of cables on the surface is guaranteed by international law and is not subject to any permission. My feeling and expectation is that the project will continue in a normal manner."

Gerapetritis noted that Greece also needs to carry out maritime spatial planning within the framework of its responsibilities to the EU, stating that this work will also be carried out in the near future.

News Source: AA