Ex PM Papandreou: We can use the sun and wind of the Aegean together

Former Greek Prime Minister Yorgos Papandreou made important statements about energy resources in the Aegean in an interview with the Turkish newspaper Oksijen. Papandreou emphasized the potential of solar and wind energy instead of oil and natural gas, which are at the centre of disputes between countries.

"We are fighting for oil and gas in the Aegean, but we do not even know whether these resources exist. However, in the future, the world will focus on energy resources that are neither oil nor gas. By using the sun and wind of the Aegean together, we can develop a new partnership based on these resources," Papandreou said, calling for co-operation on the energy future of the region.

Papandreou also recalled the co-operation they had established with Turkish Foreign Minister İsmail Cem in the past and said: "At that time, the Öcalan crisis, the disputes in Cyprus and the Aegean were the most important topics on the agenda. However, we prioritised the needs of the people of both countries and our common interests. At that time, we chose the path of co-operation instead of shouting heroism from our shores. In this way, we tried to solve the problems and moved in the direction of co-operation," he said.

Papandreou's statements were interpreted as a positive message that Greece and Turkiye could develop joint energy projects and that the past co-operation efforts between the two countries should be taken as an example.