Gerapetritis: “Minorities are bridges of friendship for us”
Greek Foreign Minister Yorgos Gerapetritis, in a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, underscored the importance of minority communities as "bridges of friendship" between Greece and Turkey. Meeting in Athens, both ministers discussed strengthening bilateral relations amidst longstanding regional issues, aiming for a foundation of political dialogue, positive agendas, and confidence-building measures.
Gerapetritis highlighted that since assuming office, six meetings between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have been held, reflecting the commitment to fostering mutual understanding. He announced that the next political dialogue meeting would take place on December 2-3 in Athens.
Acknowledging recent progress in trade, Gerapetritis stated that the countries aim to reach $10 billion in bilateral trade volume. He reiterated Greece’s support for Türkiye’s EU accession within EU guidelines and noted preparations for the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council, which is expected to advance cooperation.
The meeting also addressed complex issues like Cyprus, where Gerapetritis advocated for a bi-zonal and bi-communal solution per UN resolutions, as well as maritime boundaries in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Both ministers expressed a commitment to sustained dialogue, regional stability, and collaboration on global issues like humanitarian aid and migration.
