Former Greek PM Papandreou calls for Greek-Turkish unity in combating forest fires

Former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou emphasized the shared challenges faced by Türkiye and Greece in combating forest fires, stating, “We are not separate from each other. We are together. We must act jointly in the face of such events.”

Invited by Kusadasi Mayor Omer Gunel, Papandreou and his delegation visited the Ismail Cem Peace and Friendship Square.

Papandreou laid a carnation at the monument dedicated to former Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and took a photo before the olive tree they planted years ago to symbolize peace with Cem.

‘We are together’

Speaking at the event, Papandreou said visiting Kusadasu was an emotional experience for him.

Thanking for the hospitality he received, Papandreou continued: “It is a great honor to be beside a friend like Ismail Cem, who holds great importance in my life. The solid foundations of friendship and peace we laid between our two nations years ago can be seen in Samos today.

We frequently combat forest fires in both Türkiye and Greece. We always have responsibilities towards nature. We are not separate from each other. We are together. We must act jointly in the face of such events. I am very happy to be here with you in Kusadasi.”

Kusadasi Mayor Gunel also remarked, “I believe that just as the sapling planted by Ismail Cem and Papandreou has grown into a large olive tree today, the seeds of peace planted today will grow and flourish between our two countries each passing day.”

Papandreou, who visited the damaged forest areas in Selcuk district of Izmir, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, later visited Mayor Gunel in his office.