Samaras and ministers in Constantinople

Three years after the first meeting of the Higher Council of Cooperation between Greece and Turkey in Athens, premier Antonis Samaras goes with half the Greek cabinet in Constantinople today Monday for the second meeting.

The prime ministers of the two countries want to send a message of improved relations and economic cooperation and development on both sides of the Aegean.

Despite good intentions on both sides the atmosphere is charged by verbal notes from the two countries at the UN regarding the dispute over the continental shelf and surveys for hydrocarbons in the Aegean. The intent of Greece is to proceed to the EEZ proclamation and the exploitation of energy reserves, as is its right under the rules of international law and the Law of the Sea, causing the reaction of Turkey that announced its own search within the Greek continental shelf accompanied by the passing of Turkish warships in the Aegean.

Turkey’s intention to exploit the economic crisis in Greece to create a fait accompli towards pooling the Aegean resources is clear and it connects it to the geopolitical condominium. Samaras, however, goes to Constantinople with the recent support offered by French President Francois Hollande.

Another important issue for the Greek side is the combating of illegal immigration as the large number of illegal immigrants arrive in the country from the border or from the Turkish coast while Turkey refuses to implement an earlier agreement between the two countries for the immigrants’ return. The two prime ministers will discuss the situation in Syria that increases migratory pressures on both countries and the European perspective of Turkey where Greece’s positive attitude is considered as certain provided that Turkey fulfills its obligations, including the opening of airports and sea ports to Cypriot transport means.

After their meeting Monday morning, the two prime ministers will chair the Council meeting that will deal with issues in the areas of tourism, shipping and safety. In this context they will sign a memorandum to encourage cooperation between shipping companies and cooperation in maritime training and tourism. Another memorandum will be signed for further cooperation in the tourism sector.

Cooperation agreements will also be signed in the areas of Health, Sport and Culture. There will also be a joint declaration between Public Order minister Nikos Dendias and his Turkish counterpart to tackle illegal immigration.

 

The Greek premier will be accompanied by Greek businessmen who will participate in a joint meeting with Turkish businessmen for further development of business relationships.