ANKARA - Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou wrapped up his contacts in Ankara and left for Greece on Wednesday evening.
Papandreou who visited Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakýs, AK Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday also visited CHP leader Deniz Baykal and former foreign minister Ismail Cem.
Speaking after meeting with Papandreou, CHP leader Deniz Baykal said that they exchanged views with Papandreou about Turkish-Greek relations and he explained the expectations of Turkey about the EU issue and other foreign policy issues.
Baykal said that Papandreou is a minister who can change the basic perspective in bilateral relations, and who sincerely supports Turkey's joining the EU.
Noting that Papandreou launches efforts sincerely for the solution of the problems between the two countries, Baykal said that the friendly approach of Turkey towards Greece will continue.
Baykal said that friendly relations between the two countries will be beneficial for both themselves and for the region, adding that they share the view with Papandreou that the relations between CHP and PASOK have to improve.
Papandreou said in his part that PASOK and CHP are sister parties, adding that ''our wish is very sincere, believe me Turkey's taking a place in the future of Europe is to the interest of both countries.''
Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou also invited Baykal to Greece.
Papandreou also visited former foreign minister and leader of the New Turkey Party (YTP) Ismail Cem. Speaking in the begining of their meeting, Cem said he was grateful to Papandreou for his contributions to the improvement of relations between the two countries.
Papandreou said ''my dear friend Ismail,'' to Cem and stated that Cem was known in Greece as an important person who took mission in a difficult time in Turkey, and he was very much appreciated.
Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou said that they have developed a friendship beyond politics with Cem during their term in office as the foreign ministers of Turkey and Greece for three years.