Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning to Greece regarding its increased military activities on the Aegean islands, which Ankara views as a breach of international treaties. Following his participation in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s desire to maintain amicable relations with Greece. However, he urged Athens to reconsider its strategy of militarizing islands that are supposed to remain demilitarized under existing international agreements.
Greece, on the other hand, asserts that the military build-up is necessary due to security concerns and insists on its sovereign right to protect its territory. This ongoing dispute between the neighboring nations also encompasses disagreements over maritime boundaries and the establishment of marine parks in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye harbors no ambitions of territorial expansion but remains steadfast in defending what it perceives as its rightful claims. He cautioned that disregarding international accords could escalate tensions and encouraged Greece to learn from historical conflicts.
Erdoğan also announced Türkiye’s intention to strengthen ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while continuing to maintain robust relationships with Western nations. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the security situation in the Black Sea. He advocated for measures to ensure lasting security for commercial shipping, noting the increasing risks faced by Turkish vessels in the region.
The Turkish president also touched upon defense collaborations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, efforts to resolve the PKK conflict, and Ankara’s ongoing attempts to re-enter the US F-35 fighter jet program. Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing its indigenous KAAN fighter jet development, even as negotiations with the United States continue. Through these multifaceted diplomatic and defense engagements, Türkiye seeks to assert its strategic interests on both regional and international fronts.