Erdogan: We Are Obliged To Make The World A Place Of Affection, Solidarity And Peace

ATHENS - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, ''we are obliged to make the world a place of affection, peace and solidarity, and to make the Aegean a sea of peace.''
Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyiannis presented Prime Minister Erdogan, who is currently paying a state visit to Greece, with the Gold Medal of Merit on Friday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bakoyiannis said that the Athens Municipality had decided unanimously to present Prime Minister Erdogan with the Gold Medal of Merit.
Recalling that she had paid a visit to Turkey a few months ago, Bakoyiannis said that Erdogan had carried out very significant works during his term in office as the mayor of Istanbul in 1994.
Stressing that Prime Minister Erdogan had made significant contributions to the bilateral relations between Turkey and Greece, Bakoyiannis highlighted importance of presenting Prime Minister Erdogan with the Gold Medal of Merit in regard to the two countries' taking steps for peaceful relations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''Greek people rushed to help Turkish people during the devastating quake disasters in 1999. It was a clear expression of friendship and support. We will never forget it.''
''We are obliged to make the world a place of affection, peace and solidarity, and to make the Aegean a sea of peace. The Turkish government has the necessary will to this end,'' Prime Minister Erdogan added.
Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay, State Minister Mehmet Aydin and State Minister Kursad Tuzmen were also in attendance at the ceremony.
(UK) 07.05.2004