Momentum in Greek-Turkish relations appears to be building following Prime Minister George Papandreou’s visit to Istanbul in the first days of his premiership, as it emerged yesterday that his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent him a letter calling for a strengthening of ties between the two countries.

The new Turkish ambassador to Athens, Mehmet Hasan Gogus, handed the letter to Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas on Tuesday. The Greek government has made no official statement on the content of the letter, as diplomatic protocol dictates that the sender reveals the details.

However, reports in Turkey have suggested that Erdogan said he wants to improve relations with Greece in all areas and consequently put forward some suggestions about ways in which the two countries could cooperate.

Diplomatic sources said it was too early to evaluate this move by Erdogan, which is being seen as a response to Papandreou’s decision to hold talks with Turkish officials just a few days after coming to power. It is expected that Papandreou will respond to the letter in the next few days.

During a visit to Athens yesterday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that he will press ahead with efforts to reach a reunification deal on Cyprus, one of the main stumbling blocks in Greek-Turkish relations.

“The UN has high expectations for a settlement and I believe this momentum must be maintained,” said Ban before talks with Papandreou. “My Cyprus envoy Mr Alexander Downer will continue to talk with the leaders of the two communities.”

Ban also met with President Karolos Papoulias, who insisted that “no solution [on Cyprus] can be found without putting an end to the consequences of the [Turkish] invasion and occupation.”