Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning to Greece regarding its military activities on the Aegean islands, emphasizing that Türkiye will not condone what it perceives as breaches of international agreements. After his participation in a summit with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Erdoğan expressed a desire for peaceful relations with Greece but insisted that Athens should reconsider its strategy of stationing military forces on islands that Türkiye believes should remain demilitarized according to international treaties.
Greece, on the other hand, justifies its military presence by citing security threats, asserting the necessity of protecting its territory. This ongoing dispute between the two nations also encompasses disagreements over maritime borders and proposals for marine parks in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s stance, stating that the country harbors no ambitions of annexing foreign lands but remains committed to safeguarding its perceived rights. He cautioned that neglecting international accords could exacerbate tensions and urged Greece to take lessons from historical conflicts.
In addition to regional issues, Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s intent to enhance its involvement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while simultaneously maintaining robust ties with Western nations. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and security concerns in the Black Sea. Erdoğan underscored the importance of establishing enduring security for commercial shipping, noting the increased risks faced by Turkish vessels in the area.
Further discussions during Erdoğan’s visit included Türkiye’s defense collaborations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, efforts to resolve the conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and Ankara’s ongoing attempts to reinstate its participation in the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. Emphasizing Türkiye’s commitment to its defense capabilities, Erdoğan mentioned that the country would continue to advance its indigenous KAAN fighter jet development even as it negotiates with the United States.