Greece, Italy sign agreement for delimitation of maritime zones

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (2nd R) and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio (2nd L) sign an agreement in Athens, Greece, on June 9, 2020. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, on Tuesday signed an agreement here on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

ATHENS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, on Tuesday signed an agreement here on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries.

"Today is a historic day. It is a significant development, given that the previous accord (on the continental shelf) was from 1977. ... Our country's consistent aim is the delimitation of maritime zones with all of our neighbors in the context of the international law," Dendias said in a joint statement to the press, carried by the Greek national broadcaster ERT.

"I am truly content for being able to witness this important moment for Italy and Greece after so many years," Di Maio said.

The talks between the two officials in Athens also covered other bilateral, regional and international issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions.

Dendias reiterated his country's solidarity with Italy, which was tested hard by the novel coronavirus, while announcing the reopening of Greece's borders for Italian tourists.

"Starting next Monday and gradually until the end of this month, Greece is lifting all restrictions," Dendias said, citing the "improving epidemiological data" from the neighboring country.

As of mid-June, 29 countries with positive epidemiological data -- among them China -- can send to the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki tourists who will be subject only to sample testing for COVID-19 upon arrival, the Greek authorities have announced.

From June 15 until at least June 30, all other travelers arriving from airports on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) list of areas with a high risk of virus transmission need to be tested upon arrival and stay overnight at a designated hotel at the Greek state's expenses.

As of July 1, international flights will be allowed into all Greek airports and visitors will be subject to random tests upon arrival, the government said. Enditem

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (L) meets with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in Athens, Greece, on June 9, 2020. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, on Tuesday signed an agreement here on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (2nd R) and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio (2nd L) sign an agreement in Athens, Greece, on June 9, 2020. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, on Tuesday signed an agreement here on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (L) meets with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in Athens, Greece, on June 9, 2020. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, on Tuesday signed an agreement here on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (R, Rear) and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio (L, Rear) attend a press briefing in Athens, Greece, on June 9, 2020. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, on Tuesday signed an agreement here on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)