BERLIN — German foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Adebahr on Monday expressed her satisfaction over the resumption of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey, while underlining that "it would be good not to comment from the outside on a process that is starting now".

However, she expressed hope that a good solution will be found, in the context of international law.

"We are happy that the direct talks, that had been interrupted in 2016, are starting again today and in the framework of our presidency in the EU Council we supported and worked hard in order for such direct talks to take place," said Adebahr, and noted that last week Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was in Ankara again for this reason.

"Which issues, which solutions and what steps will be agreed there is a matter for the two sides and I believe it is good not to comment from the outside a process that begins but for the two sides to decide on the topic of the discussion and all the other issues between them. We hope it will be possible to once again establish a mutual confidence and trust between the two sides…in order to for a good solution to be found jointly in the framework of international law," Adebahr concluded.