Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on Greece to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the region, expressing particular concern over the strengthening defense ties between Athens and Israel. Fidan highlighted issues such as Greece’s deployment of military assets on Aegean islands, which Türkiye believes should remain demilitarized according to existing agreements.
While Türkiye aims to maintain cordial relations with Greece, Fidan emphasized that Athens should take Ankara’s security concerns into consideration. The long-standing disputes between the two nations over maritime boundaries and the military status of Aegean islands continue to pose challenges, despite efforts to improve bilateral relations in recent years. Greece, for its part, argues that its defense measures are necessary for national security and sovereignty protection.
In addition to concerns about Greece, Fidan criticized Israel’s military actions in Syria, suggesting they pose a risk to regional stability. He reiterated Türkiye’s support for Syria in restoring security and fostering economic development, advocating for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
The Turkish foreign minister also touched on emerging regional security collaborations involving Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Fidan noted that these countries are working on forming a security partnership, exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation on various security issues, including the situation in Yemen and threats faced by Saudi Arabia.
Fidan’s remarks underscore Türkiye’s commitment to fostering regional stability through diplomatic engagement and collaboration, as the country navigates complex geopolitical dynamics in its neighborhood.