Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning to Greece, urging it to halt the expansion of its military presence on the Aegean islands, which Turkey views as a breach of international treaties. Erdoğan’s remarks came after his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where he emphasized Türkiye’s desire for positive relations with Greece but insisted that Athens must reconsider its military policies on the islands that Ankara believes should remain demilitarized according to international agreements.
Greece defends its military activities on these islands, citing security concerns and asserting its right to protect its territories. The two nations have historically been at odds over several issues, including maritime boundaries and proposals for marine parks in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan made it clear that Türkiye has no plans to claim territory from other countries but remains committed to safeguarding its perceived rights. He cautioned that ignoring international treaties could heighten tensions, urging Greece to learn from historical conflicts.
In addition to addressing regional military tensions, Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s interest in strengthening ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while maintaining robust relations with Western nations. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and security in 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.
Erdoğan’s discussions extended beyond regional security to include defense collaborations with countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, efforts to resolve the PKK conflict, and Ankara’s pursuit of rejoining the United States’ F-35 fighter jet program. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing its own KAAN fighter jet development, even as negotiations with the U.S. continue.