http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4645687.stm

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has accepted an invitation to visit Turkey, underlining closer ties.

It will be the first official visit by a serving Greek head of government for more than 40 years.

It was confirmed as Mr Karamanlis and Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan met at the common border to launch the construction of a joint gas pipeline.

The project is designed to transport Caspian and Central Asian natural gas to Europe and be operational next year.

The pipeline will stretch for 300km (186 miles) between the two countries, most of it on Turkish soil.

The project is estimated to cost less than $18m.

Both leaders stressed its historic significance.

It is symbolic of what both countries see as an end to years of deep mutual distrust, says the BBC's Jonny Dymond in Istanbul.

Former foes

Less than 10 years ago, the two countries came close to war.

Each nation was born under the occupation of the other. Forced population exchanges between the two left a legacy of bitterness, our correspondent says.

There are still disputes over air space and territorial waters.

Many in Greece would also like to see the Orthodox Church, which is based in Istanbul, freed from some of the restrictions of the Turkish state.

But last year, Mr Erdogan paid an official visit to Athens for the first time in 16 years.

The last Greek prime minister to visit Turkey in an official capacity was Constantinos Karamanlis, the uncle of the present premier, in 1959, reports the AFP news agency.

Peace and increasing ties between these two old rivals are important.

I hope he's insulted. Turkey is a despicable country. EU surely doesn't need these "asian-mexicans."

I hope he's insulted. Turkey is a despicable country. EU surely doesn't need these "asian-mexicans."
In 20 years time after 20 more years of economic, civil rights and law reforms we might. They are secular which is a good start and they are also far closer to the West than (most) others in the Middle East so we should give them a chance. Also we need them for workers, they breed like rabbits.

I hope he's insulted. Turkey is a despicable country. EU surely doesn't need these "asian-mexicans."greece and western turkye are very much alike, actually. like myrddin said, its a matter of time with turkye. its developing fast.

greece and western turkye are very much alike, actually. like myrddin said, its a matter of time with turkye. its developing fast.

They are "very much alike" because most of Turkey used to be culturally Greek.

The genetic studies do not place Turks in the European clade.

They are "very much alike" because most of Turkey used to be culturally Greek.

The genetic studies do not place Turks in the European clade. so whats teh problem, if they have partly european culture?
and muslims in the balkan or gypsies in romania allso arent genetically european.

constantinopel used to be the centre of christianity, like rome is now. the country has a greek, roman, history, crusaders build cities there, weve had trade teis with them since teh beginning of times.

the turks are not one genetic race, but a mixture of about 35 peoples. in teh west, you see a lot of people with blue eyes and even blond hair.

Oki, why are you even trying to help people like Erhnam understand. He is not ready yet. He's to young still and angry at his parents.

Oki, why are you even trying to help people like Erhnam understand. He is not ready yet. He's to young still and angry at his parents.hes not really 7, I think...
:p

At this rate India will be considered part of the new Europe. I fail to see what cultural similiarities 3rd world **** holes like Turkey shares with Europe.

At this rate India will be considered part of the new Europe. I fail to see what cultural similiarities 3rd world **** holes like Turkey shares with Europe.
like I said, partly , turkish culture is no different then greek culture. these countries used to be the centre of european culture.

They are not "3rd World", they are a transitional economy, neither first or third world, given 20 more years they will be even closer to being a first world country.

Oh please. My definition of 3rd world is not based soley on economic numbers.

Oh please. My definition of 3rd world is not based soley on economic numbers.
The Ottomans at their height had an admirable culture, I cannot see why they cannot aspire to (and achieve) those heights again. They cannot afford not to improve themselves; they have aspired to be regarded as being European for 80 years but they cannot fully join the European family unless they do what the EU tells them they must do.

Oh please. My definition of 3rd world is not based soley on economic numbers.
so what do you base that on then?