The regulation exempting Turkish citizens from the visa requirement to visit ten Greek islands in the eastern Aegean is an important step towards strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two nations, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogogiannis said.
Securing the approval of the European Commission towards the end of last year, Greece decided to allow Turkish citizens to travel to 10 Greek islands with a visa on arrival for a period of seven days.
Speaking to Hürriyet newspaper, Kostas Fragogogiannis stressed the utmost importance of this arrangement for both Turkey and the Greek islands to maintain a dynamic tourism sector throughout the year.
“This initiative also conveys a strong message that reflects a fundamental truth: The Greek islands serve as a bridge of communication and friendship between the two peoples,” said Fragogogiannis.
Referring to the economic and trade relations between the two countries, the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister explained the goal of raising the current bilateral trade volume from 5 million euros ($5,403,000) to 10 billion euros within the next five years.
“This goal depends on the expansion of trade, the exchange of knowledge, technical know-how and resources, as well as the undertaking of joint projects in Greece, Turkey and even in third countries,” he said.
During the sixth meeting and business forum of the Turkish-Greek Joint Economic Committee last week, the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Burak Akçapar, met with Mr. Fragogiannis.
Foreseeing an increase in the number of 61 Greek companies operating in Turkey, Mr. Fragogoyannis said that one of the measures agreed with Mr. Akçapar is the creation of a new framework for cooperation.
“This effort will be overseen and facilitated by leading business leaders from both countries, who will manage progress in various sectors such as energy, transport and trade. In essence, these coordinated efforts aspire not only to fortify the ties between Turkey and Greece, but also to promote cooperation, extending beyond the field of tourism to more extensive economic and commercial pursuits,” the Greek minister noted.
