Mitsotakis: 'EU can help Türkiye with the migrant problem'
Making a press statement after the EU Leaders Summit held in Brussels and answering the questions of journalists, Mitsotakis stated that the most important element of solving the irregular migrant problem is the fight against migrant smugglers.
Stating that the reason why fewer boats carrying irregular migrants have recently arrived in Greece is the decrease in the number of boats departing from Türkiye, Mitsotakis argued that cooperation with North African countries such as Tunisia and Libya is necessary to reduce the number of boats departing.
Stating that he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Vilnius within the scope of the NATO Summit, Mr Mitsotakis expressed that they hope to place the framework of Türkiye-EU relations on a new basis.
Stating that he wanted to see the glass half full, Mitsotakis drew attention to the better co-operation with the Turkish authorities in preventing the boats carrying irregular migrants before they set off.
"I have said many times that Türkiye should be an ally in the fight against the refugee problem. On the other hand, the EU has given many millions of euros to support Türkiye and could probably give more. In the restructuring of the EU's multiannual budget there could be an additional article for the future support of Türkiye."
Stating that apart from his meeting with President Erdogan, there could also be meetings between the ministers of Türkiye and Greece, Mr Mitsotakis said: "There were contacts in the past. It is good that these contacts are frequent. We can show that Türkiye is indeed a good ally in the fight (against the migrant problem). Of course, if it wants to do so."
