Greece to support 2020 Istanbul Olympic bid

(ANA-MPA) -- The signing of the Olympic Truce initiative by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded a landmark two-day visit by the Turkish leader to Athens.

Appearing at a brief ceremony in front of the imposing Panathinaiko Stadium in central Athens -- the venue for the first modern Olympic Games of 1896 -- with his counterpart, George Papandreou, Erdogan referred to the "great honor in signing my name to this book; to put my signature for a world of peace".

Papandreou, a major proponent of the Olympic Truce concept since his tenure as foreign minister ahead of the 2004 Athens Games, emphasised the importance of Turkey's support for the idea, which sends out a clear message "by Turkey and Greece to the world".

Moreover, Papandreou said Greece will actively support a bid by Istanbul to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

"We are particularly pleased that Greece has expressed its support, and will extend its know-how (in case Istanbul hosts the Games)," Erdogan added.

Earlier, the two leaders had a private lunch with their spouses at the central Athens hotel where the Erdogan couple stayed.