ISTANBUL - Turkish Prime Minister hoped on Monday that current relations with Greece would enable the two countries to forget about negative incidents that happened in the past and to focus on a positive course.
Erdogan addressed opening remarks of 75th Congress of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and 11th World Editors Forum (WEF) at the Lutfi Kirdar International Congress and Exhibition Center in Istanbul and then replied to questions of foreign editors.
When recalled that he mentioned perfect relations between Turkey and its neighbors and asked if he thought of establishing further relationship with Greece and Balkan countries, Erdogan said, ''I did not say that we have perfect relations with our neighbors. I said that our relations should be perfect and we are taking steps to reach this aim.''
Erdogan stated that after his government took over the office, it had developed its relations with neighboring countries.
Turkey was in an effort to promote relations also with Greece, Erdogan pointed out.
Erdogan said that Turkey and Greece abolished double taxation and increased air corridors from two to 11.
Two countries signed natural gas agreement and were in an effort to take joint touristic steps, Erdogan noted.
Erdogan pointed out that there was also positive developments in continental shelf in the Aegean.
''I believe that we will also solve these problems. Because, if there is mutual good will, there is also political will. I hope that current good relations will enable the two countries to forget about negative incidents that occurred in the past and to focus on a positive course,'' Erdogan added.
Touching on relations with Romania and Bulgaria, Erdogan said that Turkey's relations with those two countries were improving each passing day.
Erdogan pointed out that Turkey also continued its relations with other Balkan countries.
''Turkey should undertake a role which will enable stability in the region. We are developing our relations with Serbia-Montenegro, Croatia, and Macedonia. As we strengthen economic structure, politics will also be developed. I believe Turkey will contribute to democratic development of these countries,'' Erdogan added.
A total of 72 national newspapers union, individual newspaper directors from 102 countries, 13 news agencies and ten regional or worldwide press groups are members of WAN.
More than 1400 CEO, director general, general publication director and delegates from 88 countries are participating in the congress.
(BRC-AÖ) 31.05.2004