In addition to the declaration on ‘good neighbourly relations’, 15 accords were signed by ministers representing Greece and Turkey in Athens today, in a sign, say analysts, of just how groundbreaking the Turkish president’s visit has been.
Among them was a 12-month visa programme that would allow the growing number of Turkish tourists to visit nearby Greek islands all year round without having to apply for permits.
“It’s a measure that brings our two peoples closer,” said Greece’s migration minister, Dimitris Kairidis.
He added: « It’s something that the other side, which has shouldered such a burden in the management of migration, wanted very much ».
Turkey currently hosts an estimated 4 million refugees and asylum seekers – mostly from Syria – more than any other country.
The accord was agreed, the Greek minister said, in conjunction with the European Commission.
Turkish citizens presently do not enjoy visa-free travel to the 27 EU countries.
Ever more Turks have begun to holiday in Greece, with many heading for the Aegean islands close to the Turkish coast. Kairidis said the smaller isles without regular air or boat connections to Turkey had been included in the programme alongside more popular destinations such as Rhodes. Ten Greek islands were named in the accord.
Summery:
- Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, arrived in Athens for the first time in six years, determined to move on with a “win-win approach” from the disputes and tensions left by his previous trip to the city.
- Erdoğan told the Greek president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, that he believes it “will be better for the future of both sides to speak seeing the glass half full.”
- Greece and Turkey signed a joint declaration to pursue good neighbourly relations.
- The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said he feels “a historical responsibility to utilise this opportunity to bring the two states side-by side, just as our borders are”.
- The Turkish president said that no issue was unsolvable.
- 15 accords were signed by ministers representing Greece and Turkey, in a sign, say analysts, of just how groundbreaking the Turkish president’s visit has been.
- The agreements include a deal on a 12-month visa programme that would allow the growing number of Turkish tourists to visit nearby Greek islands all year round without having to apply for permits.