Greek, Turkish leaders gloss over differences

The leaders of Greece and Turkey glossed over major differences between the countries and expressed support for closer relations between the often testy neighbors.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, after a meeting with his Greek counterpart Antonis Samaras, that Turkey supports the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece as part of a general return of works of cultural heritage to their countries of origin. Samaras said he supported Turkey’s quest for EU membership, provided it fulfilled the entry requirements.

Several ministers from both countries joined the heads of government Saturday to discuss so-called “low-level policy issues” including energy, customs, culture and tourism. The Turkish delegation included nine cabinet members.

Davutoglu was on a two-day visit to Athens. He and Samaras also addressed a Greek-Turkish business forum.