Greece has pledged its full support for Istanbul 2020. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey, signed an agreement with the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Antonis Samaras, following meetings at the second High Level Cooperation Council in Istanbul that were held Sunday and Monday.
A joint declaration from the offices of both Prime Ministers committed the countries to “engage in cooperation with regard to the technical and related aspects in the organization of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games” and “explore ways of enhancing the benefits of the Olympics for the two countries” and the entire region if Istanbul is awarded the Games.
Hasan Arat, Chairman of Istanbul 2020, attended the signing ceremony and said, “the ties between Turkey and Greece have been strengthened today thanks to the power of the Olympic Movement to build bridges. The closer cooperation between our countries will be a valuable and lasting legacy of our bid”.
Ugur Erdener, IOC member and President of the Turkish NOC said, “this is a very symbolic agreement for Turkey as we look to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to our country for the very first time. Greece is the spiritual home of the Olympic Movement and I hope this connection will continue to grow the huge passion for hosting the Games. Ninety-four per cent of the people of Istanbul are behind Istanbul 2020. We have had very close relations with Greece on sport for many years. I believe that this agreement will create even more opportunities”.
