Turkse premier Erdogan bezoekt Griekenland (en)

Marking the first official visit by a Turkish prime minister to Greece in 16 years, Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Athens yesterday (6 May) for talks with his Greek counterpart Costas Karamanlis.

The Turkish bid for EU membership, trade, and the future of Cyprus are set to be the main points on the agenda.

Despite last month's failure of the referendum on the reunification of Cyprus - a major issue of disagreement between Greece and Turkey - the two leaders have signalled that they are keen to improve the historically difficult relationship between their countries.

Mr Erdogan stressed the historical character of his visit on Thursday.

"After decades, I, as the Prime Minister of Turkey, am going to go to Greece today", he said, according to the Turkish Anadolu Press Agency.

His Greek counterpart told the Turkish press agency Anatolia: "We wish to open a new page in our relations".

Cyprus

Hopes that one particularly sensitive point of conflict between the two countries - the future of Cyprus - would be settled came to halt last month as a UN plan aimed at reunifying the island was rejected by the majority of Greek Cypriots on April 24.

Consequently, the island entered the European Union divided on 1 May, leaving the Turkish-speaking north of the Island outside the area where EU law applies.

But, according to the Financial Times, diplomats said that both leaders were keen to draw a line under the Cyprus issue.

Turkish EU membership

Of major Turkish interest is ensuring Greek support for its own bid to enter the EU.

"I can't achieve anything if I fail to enhance my friendship with my next-door neighbour" said Mr Erdogan on Thursday.

His Greek counterpart has repeatedly expressed his support for the Turkish application to join the Union - which EU member states will collectively decide upon at the end of this year.

Until the end of the 1990s, Greece and Turkey were at the brink of war on several occasions over territorial conflicts concerning islands in the Aegean sea.

But a wave of friendship sprung up as both countries were hit by devastating earthquakes in 1999, and both sides offered each other mutual help.

On his three-day visit to Greece, the Turkish leader will also meet the socialist opposition leader George Papandreou and the Greek president Costis Stepahanopoulos.