Prime Minister Antonis Samaras met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday in Istanbul, during a one-day visit for the 2nd session of the Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Samaras noted that this was "a good day for Greek-Turkish relations," adding that "the golden rule for a good relationship is mutual respect, protection of national sovereignty and respect for international law." On his part, Erdogan said that "we believe the constructive atmosphere between our countries, the mutual understanding and good neighbourliness will strengthen our ties further." 

The two premiers also co-chaired the 2nd Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council during which 25 agreements and cooperation protocols were signed between the countries’ competent ministers in the fields of tourism, justice, culture, health, migration, shipping, agriculture and sports as well a memorandum related to Greece's support for Turkey's bid to host the Olympics.

Addressing the Council, Samaras noted that during the last six years, there is significant increase in Greek investments in Turkey. He further underlined the potential for businesses in the two countries to work together in order to expand to other markets: "Undertaking joint business initiatives in the Balkans, the countries of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation area and central Asia will bring additional growth and promote trade and economic relations, both on a bilateral and a multilateral level."


The Premier was also received by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who praised this cooperation between the two countries. Primeminister.Gr: PM’s address to High-Level Cooperation Council (in Greek); Kathimerini: Samaras and Erdogan agree to start 'building trust'