PM addresses press conference with Turkish counterpart

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Friday reiterated his determination for relations between Turkey and Greece to forge ahead, speaking at a press conference that he held with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan, in Erzurum, following his address at the 3rd annual conference of Turkish ambassadors.

Papandreou stressed that great progress has been achieved in relations between the two countries, despite the problems existing between the two countries.

Referring to the Turkish prime minister, Papandreou said “I know that both of us want a good atmosphere to be created between Greece and Turkey,” while not omitting to refer to the problems that are obstructing further development.

The Greek prime minister, replying to a question, confirmed the excellent personal relations that he has with the Turkish prime minister and noted that these relations also facilitate the two countries’ relations.

“I can say that I call him a brother,” the Greek prime minister said characteristically and added that Erdogan is straightforward and sincere.