Following his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a caution to Greece, urging it to halt the augmentation of its military forces on the Aegean islands. Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is unwilling to accept what it perceives as breaches of international treaties by Greece. While advocating for amicable neighborly relations, he called on Athens to withdraw its military deployments from islands that Ankara considers should remain demilitarized under international accords.
Greece, on the other hand, justifies its military presence on these islands, citing security concerns and asserting its sovereign right to defend its territory. The two nations have a history of disputes, including disagreements over maritime boundaries and plans for marine parks in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s stance of not seeking territorial expansion but emphasized the country’s resolve to protect its perceived rights. He warned that neglecting international agreements could heighten tensions and advised Greece to reflect on past conflicts for lessons.
In addition to addressing regional issues with Greece, Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s desire to strengthen its involvement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while continuing to maintain robust ties with Western nations. During his summit visit, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and security in the Black Sea. Erdoğan highlighted the importance of establishing enduring security measures for commercial shipping, pointing out the increasing risks faced by Turkish vessels in that area.
Furthermore, Erdoğan discussed various aspects of Türkiye’s defense strategy, including cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, efforts to resolve the PKK conflict, and the country’s aspirations to rejoin the US F-35 fighter jet program. He emphasized that Türkiye remains committed to developing its own KAAN fighter aircraft while negotiations with Washington proceed. This multifaceted approach reflects Ankara’s ongoing efforts to balance its regional and international partnerships, emphasizing both domestic defense initiatives and diplomatic engagements.