Prime Minister Antonis Samaras underlined the need for creation of mutual respect and trust between Greek and Turkey at the end of the 3rd Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council held in Athens, attended by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Mr. Samaras said that 47 cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries.  “Our goal is to promote cooperation in the sectors of low-level politics that will, however, touch citizens’ everyday lives,” said Mr. Samaras. “In our bilateral relations, there are issues on which we disagree. We recognize this and we are creating relations of mutual respect with full respect to international law and towards safeguarding the national sovereignty.”

He said that Greece continues to support the efforts of the United Nations on the long-standing Cyprus dispute and a just and viable solution through negotiations between the two communities is sought. “We understand Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades’ decision to interrupt the negotiations until the problem that has occurred is solved,” said Mr. Samaras. “I believe that the problem will be solved soon and the discussions will restart. Greece will continue to support Turkey’s European accession course.” He said that Turkey’s admission is of mutual benefit to both Greece and Turkey.

Samaras said that the Greek-Turkish business forum gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to promote their bilateral cooperation by binding the two countries economic ties. “Stability, trust and security boost the growth and both countries’ prosperity. Those things we promote, safeguard and work for,” said Mr. Samaras.

On his part, Mr. Davutoglu said: “Our first meeting in Athens created surprise impressions,” he said, adding that he intends to continue the joint ministerial meetings that build a climate of mutual understanding. “We discussed transport issues and saw that we complement each other. We are the gateway to Asia and Greece is the gateway to Europe. We hope the Cyprus issue to be solved in order our cooperation in the energy sector to increase.”

Mr. Davutoglu also referred to the Parthenon Marbles noting his support for Greece in its effort to get the sculpture of the god Ilissos to return to the Acropolis Museum.

Mr. Davutoglu expressed his wishes of a speedy recovery to Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades so that negotiations between the two communities can continue. “An approach between the two sides will contribute to the development in the whole of the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Mr. Davutoglu also thanked the Greek government for its support of Turkey’s accession to the European Union and referred to the minorities saying that minority citizens are bridges that link the two countries.