ANKARA - Greek National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Khristodoulakis said on Tuesday that progress had been recorded in economic relations between Turkey and Greece in recent years.
Khristodoulakis, who met with State Minister Ali Babacan, pointed out that there was significant potential in economic relations between Turkey and Greece and expressed belief that they had seized the right time.
The main aim of his visit to Turkey was to sign the agreement on prevention of double taxation, Khristodoulakis stated.
Khristodoulakis said that progress had been recorded in economic relations in recent years, but the relations were not at the desired level.
Pointing out that there was limited trade activity between the two countries, Khristodoulakis said that partnerships among companies were insufficient.
Khristodoulakis announced that they would support company merging in especially energy and natural gas.
Noting that there was a program supported by European Union (EU) regarding cross-border projects, Khristodoulakis said that they would try to make use of that program.
Khristodoulakis noted that they would support infrastructural works between two countries and expressed belief that those works would serve common interests of Turkey and Greece.
As Turkey approached the EU, those relations would be accelerated, Khristodoulakis stated.
Khristodoulakis added that he was sure that they would have the opportunity to exert joint efforts in many fields in the future.
(BRC-AÖ) 02.12.2003