Series of cooperation agreements signed between Ankara, Athens
Turkey-Greece, Politics, 1/21/2000

Turkey and Greece on Thursday signed in Ankara four cooperation agreements during an unprecedented visit in 38 years made by Greek Foreign Minister Yeoryios Papandreou to Ankara.

The agreements, which were signed by Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart, Ismael Cem, are connected to the areas of tourism, security (covering terrorism and fighting organized crime) and the environment.

In a press conference held in a ceremony designated for signing the agreement Cem said these agreements show that the two countries can make several things together.

Cem added that Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit had invited during his meeting earlier in the day with Papandereou, his Greek counterpart, Kostas Simitis to pay an official visit to Turkey.

He considered the agreements as very important and comprehensive.

Cim will by the beginning of February visit Athens and sign four other agreements in the areas of scientific, technical customs, economic, cultural and naval trade areas.

Worthy mentioning the main differences between Turkey and Greek which have been arising since several decades, especially the question of the divided Cyprus since 1974 and restoring supremacy in the Aegean Sea, were not listed among the topics for debate, which was resulted in signing these agreements. A dialogue launched by Papandreau and Cim in June, 1999.

On Thursday, Papandreau also met with the Turkish President Suleiman Demirel and with the speaker of the Turkish Parliament Yelderem Akbolout.

On Saturday, Papandreau and Cim will take part in Istanbul in the meeting of the Council of the Greek-Turkish businessmen.

However, relations between Turkey and Greek, both are NATO members, have witnessed great improvement in the recent months especially following the earthquakes which hit the two countries in August and September which revealed unprecedented solidarity between the two countries.

Athens lifted its veto on nominating Turkey to joining the European Union during the Helsinki summit held in December 1999.

Previous Stories:
  New round of Turkish-Greek dialogue   (10/22/1999)
  Greece no longer opposes Turkey's membership in the EU   (10/13/1999)
  On relations between Turkey and Greece   (10/5/1999)

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