Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the resumption of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey as a “positive step of rapprochement” when he addressed the European People’s Party during a video conference held on Wednesday.
He noted, however, that the Turkish side needs to exhibit consistent commitment towards de-escalating tension, and stressed the need to end provocative actions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
Referring to the proposals submitted by the European Commission for the formulation of a new common asylum and migration policy, he pointed out that “it is necessary to share the responsibility fairly among European countries.”
He also welcomed the decision of the German government to relocate families of refugees from Moria, after the catastrophic fire there.
READ MORE: Greece and Turkey to restart exploratory talks, while French President slams Erdogan’s policies
US, NATO and EU welcome talks
The US Department of State welcomed the announcement of the resumption of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey talks with a post on social media on Wednesday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the Eastern Mediterranean and welcomed the restart of Greek-Turkish exploratory talks, in a video teleconference on Thursday.
In a similar message, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he had spoken with the Turkish leader.