Greece, Turkey vow to overcome differences

DPA/AthensThe prime ministers of Greece and Turkey vowed yesterday to work together to overcome differences between their two countries, including the division of the island of Cyprus.Wrapping up a third meeting of a high-level co-operation council, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu agreed to co-operate on a range of issues, including energy, transport and tourism.Both prime ministers signed 46 co-operation agreements during Davutoglu’s two-day visit to Athens, which ended yesterday.Speaking on the issue of the divided island of Cyprus, the Greek prime minister said he respected the Greek-Cypriot government’s decision to pull out of UN-led peace talks in October because of Ankara’s alleged violation of Cyprus’ sovereignty.The visit by Davutoglu comes as tensions between Greece and Turkey have escalated in recent months over Turkey’s insistence on carrying out oil and gas explorations in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.“We understand Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades’ decision to interrupt the negotiations until the problem that has occurred is solved,” said Samaras. “I believe that the problem will be solved soon and the discussions will restart.”Cypriot state television RIK reported that the Turkish research vessel Barbaros has detected large quantities of hydrocarbons near the area where the Greek Cypriot government has awarded international licences for exploratory natural gas drilling.Davutoglu, accompanied by nine ministers and 200 business people, said that all sides stand to reap benefits from oil and gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean, assuming there can be a solution to the division of Cyprus.“Further rapprochment between the two sides will contribute the development in whole the eastern Mediterranean.”Cyprus has been divided into a Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion of the north, in turn, a response to a Greek-led coup.Samaras said improved relations between Athens and Ankara could help increase bilateral trade. “Stability, trust and security boost growth and both countries’ prosperity. Those things we promote, safeguard and work for.”