ROME — Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Wednesday with met his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio in Rome and discussed bilateral and European issues, as well as developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Before departing for Lisbon, where he will meet with his Portuguese counterpart, Dendias said: "Today we had a very interesting discussion with Luigi Di Maio. We have covered all the issues in our bilateral relations, namely the ratification of the agreement on the maritime zones with Italy as well as economic issues and issues regarding the wider region and Turkish provocativeness. I briefed him on the resumption of the exploratory talks with Turkey on January 25, Turkey's general behaviour in the Eastern Mediterranean and even issues relating to Libya and the East Med. We also discussed the migration issue. I believe it is extremely useful to have a constant and sincere exhange of views with Italy. I also told him that, even though we respect their decision and their stance, the Greek side would have wished for stronger Italian support on the issue of sanctions against Turkey."

Later, Dendias will visit Portugal and meet in Lisbon with his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva. The meeting will focus on issues of common interest in an EU context, including Greek-Turkish relations, said the Greek ministry.

Portugal currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, for the first half of 2021.

Ι met in #Rome with #Italy counterpart @luigidimaio@ItalyMFA. Focus on 🇬🇷🇮🇹 relations & cooperation, in-depth discussion on recent developments in #EasternMediterranean & the broader region. We share strong ties & common goal for a stronger #EU. pic.twitter.com/AnnoCwht2C

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) January 13, 2021