ISTANBUL - Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou toured on Monday Ortakoy, Istanbul together with New Turkey Party (YTP) leader and former Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.
Papandreou and Cem sat at a tea house, had some fruit juice and cake.
When asked about his friendship with Ismail Cem, Papandreou said that their friendship started when they both were ministers.
Papandreou noted that their positions had changed but their friendship would not end.
Stating that he also had a good relationship with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Papandreou said that they were in very close coordination with Gul.
Papandreou pointed out that they were working to further improve Turkish-Greek relations.
Noting that they were working to overcome problems like Cyprus issue, Papandreou said that his friendship with Gul was also improving.
Papandreou noted that a very important process had begun and that new friendships were being established in every level.
Pointing out that Turks and Greeks were coming together in the world, Papandreou said that he witnessed a few examples of that rapprochement in Istanbul the same day.
(BRC) 14.07.2003