Greece and Cyprus Welcome Efforts for Closer Ties Between the EU and Turkey

Greece and Cyprus welcomed Turkey's steps to strengthen relations with the European Union on Monday, stating that the rapprochement should be gradual and conditional. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides expressed their approval of the renewed communication between Turkey and the EU. They advised that this should be "gradual" and "reversible" if necessary. Mitsotakis, following his meeting with Christodoulides in Nicosia, the Cypriot capital, said, "There are two words we should keep in mind. We can be optimistic without being naive.” For his part, Christodoulides pointed out that launching a positive priorities list with Turkey also signifies "positive moves" from Ankara regarding Cyprus. He added, "It is important that our partners in the European Union adopt the same view."