Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stressed the importance for the two neighbouring countries to talk even in difficult times and for the two peoples to come closer together, following his meeting with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

In their statements, they confirmed that the gap between the two countries regarding their major differences - mainly over the Aegean and Cyprus - remains wide, but the prospects for the delineation of the EEZ and continental shelf will be discussed at a new meeting between the two. At the same time, the positive agenda will continue to occupy Athens and Ankara, as will the strengthening of cooperation on other, regional - but by no means trivial - issues, such as migration and the economy.

"Our main objectives from the outset were to resolve cutting-edge issues and defuse tensions, to organise discussions on the basis of political dialogue, political agenda and MEAs and, finally, to prepare the two leaders' contacts," George Gerapetritis said, announcing the agreement that the next round of positive dialogue will take place next month, on December 2 and 3 in Athens.

"I do not claim that the problems were solved, there were difficult moments, but it was the direct and frank channel that prevented the escalation. Our contacts are now acquiring a normality, direct communication between the two peoples contributes to mutual understanding and the removal of stereotypes. Our aim is to bring the two peoples closer together," he said.

He noted that "we discussed the preparation of the 6th High Cooperation Council. We look forward to further strengthening on issues such as economy, tourism, trade and culture. We discussed issues of cooperation on the two countries' candidacies to international organizations, including for two of the four top positions in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I welcomed the resumption of EU-Turkey relations. Greece will continue to support Turkey's European perspective.

We discussed minorities which should be bridges of friendship. We must ensure equality and equal rights for all. On the Cyprus issue, we remain firm in the framework of the UN resolution for a bizonal, bicommunal confederation, for a viable, just and functional solution."