Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stark warning to Greece, urging it to cease bolstering its military presence on the Aegean islands, which Türkiye views as a breach of international accords. Erdoğan made these remarks following his participation in a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, emphasizing Türkiye’s desire for amicable relations with Greece. However, he strongly advised Athens to reconsider its strategy of stationing military forces on islands that Ankara believes should remain demilitarized according to international treaties.
Greece, on the other hand, defends its military deployment, citing security concerns as a primary reason and asserting its right to protect its territory. The two neighboring countries have long been at odds over maritime boundaries and plans for marine reserves in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan clarified that Türkiye harbors no intentions of territorial expansion but is committed to defending what it perceives as its own rights. He cautioned that neglecting international agreements could escalate tensions, urging Greece to heed lessons from historical conflicts.
Beyond the regional tensions with Greece, Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s interest in strengthening its involvement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while also maintaining robust ties with Western nations. During his visit, he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and security issues concerning the Black Sea. Erdoğan called for initiatives to ensure lasting safety for commercial shipping, highlighting the increasing risks faced by Turkish vessels in the area.
The discussions also extended to Türkiye’s defense relationships with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, efforts to resolve the PKK conflict, and Ankara’s endeavors to rejoin the US F-35 fighter jet program. Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to advancing its domestically produced KAAN fighter aircraft, even as negotiations with Washington continue.