Dendias: Turkish FM Undertook to Propose Date for Exploratory Contacts

Politics

Dendias: Turkish FM Undertook to Propose Date for Exploratory Contacts

October 9, 2020

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, left, meets with Turkey s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, on the sidelines of a conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (Fatih Aktas/Turkish Foreign Ministry via AP, Pool)

ATHENS — Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made a commitment that Turkey will propose a date for the resumption of exploratory talks with Greece, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on Friday, replying to a press question after the conclusion of his meetings in Pristina.

"The Turkish side, Mr. Cavusoglu, made a commitment to propose a specific date. As you know, the next meeting will be held in Turkey," Dendias added.

He explained that it was Turkey's turn to host the meeting, since the last one was held in Athens in 2016, meaning that Turkey should host the next meeting and propose a specific date. "We are now waiting for the Turkish side," he added.

Referring to his visit to Pristina, where he had a series of meetings, Dendias said that the aim of the Greek government is for Greece to become an energy hub for the wider region of the Balkans. In his meetings, he said that he discussed issues related to stability and security in the region, the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue as well as the potential for cooperation with Greece and an increase of bilateral economic transactions.

Dendias met with Kosovo's Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, Foreign MInister Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla and Kosovo Parliament President Vjosa Osmani. He also met with members of the Greek troops participating in KFOR and visited the Serb-Orthodox Monastery of Gracanica.

Dendias was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for economic diplomacy, Kostas Fragogiannis.

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