SECRETARY-GENERAL WARMLY WELCOMES STEPS TAKEN BY TURKEY AND GREECE TO ESTABLISH NEW BASIS OF COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING

Press Release
SG/SM/7282

SECRETARY-GENERAL WARMLY WELCOMES STEPS TAKEN BY TURKEY AND GREECE TO ESTABLISH NEW BASIS OF COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING

The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General:

Today, Turkey and Greece signed a series of cooperation agreements in Ankara, during the first official visit of a Greek Foreign minister in almost 40 years. Both Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem pledged to push ahead with further improvement in relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister Cem is expected in Athens in early February.

The Secretary-General is encouraged by these developments. He warmly welcomes the constructive steps taken by both Governments to establish a new basis of cooperation and understanding. The Secretary-General is confident that the improved climate will lead to a better future for all the people in the region.

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