Greek-German Foreign Minister’s meeting focused on migration and economic ties

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Stenmeir had a working dinner with Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias on Saturday evening where they discussed bilateral relations, the refugees issue, the crises in several regions as well as the Cyprus issue.

Kotzias repeated his rejection of hosting Greek-Turkish coast guard patrols in the Aegean. He suggested Frontex undertake readmitting migrants not entitled to asylum after their identification in Greece. Pointing to the problem of refugees. He said that the real problem is the conflict in Syria. He noted that the real problem of refugees is the conflict in Syria.

Refering to the Evros fence, he said that though he understands the humanitarian problems faced by migrants, Greece’s capacity is finite and cannot increase the number of refugees it already receives.

Kotzias said that Steinmeir expressed a special interest on the long-standing Cyprus dispute during their meeting. “I explained and we agreed that a just solution is in the interest of the people of Cyprus as well as in the interest of the Greek-Turkish relations, Europe and the peace in the region,” he said. Kotzias believes that there can’t be a solution for as long as the region is occupied.

He said Germany and Greece agreed to incorporate an “Action Plan” into their programs to include the political, economic, cultural and educational relations of the two countries. The plan is expected to be completed by the Greek Foreign Ministry by spring before it can be ratified by the two ministers during Steinmeir’s visit to Greece next summer.

The establishment of a joint interministerial committee with Germany will also be part of the plan that will mostly focus on the cooperation in the sectors of investments, trade and development programmes “The aim is this procedure to lead to an intergovernmental meeting in 2017″ noted Kotzias.