Turkish Prime Minister Minister Ahmet Davutoglu suggested sharing Cyprus’ natural resources as a way of resolving tension in the eastern Mediterannean during his speech at the 3rd Greek-Turkish Business Forum at the Hilton Hotel on Friday.
“On the Cyprus issue I urge you: Let’s solve the issue, exploit the energy resources,” he said. “We need visionaries, peace never hurt anyone. The more we develop economic relations between the two countries, the less risk there is of an escalation of tension. Of course there are issues on which we disagree. In the Aegean we will continue the bilateral exploratory discussions, we need to move further. We don’t seek tension in the Aegean or the Eastern Mediterranean. We want to be able to talk when there are disagreements and find a solution.”
As a sign of goodwill, he wished Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades a speedy recovery from his heart surgery in New York, adding that there’s no issue that can cause tension between Greece and Turkey.
Mr. Davutoglu described his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras as extremely important and he hailed economic relations between the two countries. The Turkish prime minister said that Turkey attaches great importance to the stability of Greece as a full EU member and neighbor.
“Greece and Turkey have a relationship that has to be developed because Greece is one of the most important partners and friends. The support one country gives to the other will contribute to the growth of both economies,” said Mr. Davutoglu, adding that cultural relations should be developed. “We spoke here with the Turkish descendants of ours in Thrace and the Greek minority that came here from Istanbul – I have difficulty separating who is who. There were prejudices in the past that created obstacles but we have now understood that the relationship between the two countries is not competitive, it is one of collaboration.”
Mr. Davutoglu said that the aim is to have stability and that Turkey “can discuss anything” proven by the fact that 25 agreements were signed at the last forum.
