Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning to Greece over its increased military presence on the Aegean islands, cautioning that Ankara will not stand by if it perceives a breach of international agreements. This statement came following Erdoğan’s participation in a summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He emphasized Türkiye’s desire for amicable relations with Greece but insisted that Athens should reconsider its strategy of deploying military forces on islands that Ankara believes should remain demilitarized as per international treaties.
Greece, on the other hand, justifies its military activities on these islands by citing security concerns and asserts its right to defend its territory. The two nations have a history of disputes, particularly concerning maritime boundaries and plans for establishing marine parks in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan made it clear that while Türkiye has no ambitions to claim land from other nations, it is determined to uphold its own territorial rights. He warned that non-adherence to international agreements could exacerbate tensions, urging Greece to reflect on lessons from past conflicts.
Erdoğan also used the platform to express Türkiye’s interest in strengthening ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while simultaneously maintaining robust relations with Western countries. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and security issues in the Black Sea. Erdoğan underscored the need for establishing long-term security measures for commercial shipping, as Turkish vessels have increasingly encountered risks in the region.
In addition to geopolitical matters, Erdoğan touched upon Türkiye’s defense collaborations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, its efforts to resolve the PKK conflict, and ongoing negotiations to re-enter the US F-35 fighter jet program. Despite these talks, he affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing its domestic KAAN fighter jet project, signaling a dual approach in its defense strategy.