In recent remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a warning to Greece, urging the nation to cease its military build-up on the Aegean islands—a move Ankara views as a breach of international treaties. Speaking after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s desire for amicable relations with Greece but called on Athens to reconsider its deployment of military forces on islands that Türkiye believes should remain demilitarized according to international agreements.
Greece, on the other hand, defends its military presence by citing security concerns and asserts its right to defend its territory. The two neighboring countries have a history of disputes, not only over the militarization of these islands but also over maritime boundaries and plans for marine parks in the Aegean region. Erdoğan clarified that Türkiye does not seek to acquire territory from other nations but remains steadfast in protecting its perceived rights. He cautioned that neglecting established international agreements could heighten tensions, advising Greece to learn from previous conflicts.
Beyond the issue with Greece, Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s interest in strengthening ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, all while maintaining robust relationships with Western countries. During his visit to the summit, he engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing topics such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the security conditions in the Black Sea. Erdoğan highlighted the necessity of ensuring lasting safety for commercial shipping, given the increasing risks Turkish vessels face in the area.
The Turkish leader also touched on various defense-related topics, including Türkiye’s collaborations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, efforts to resolve the conflict involving the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and Ankara’s ongoing attempts to rejoin the US F-35 fighter jet program. Erdoğan noted that Türkiye is committed to advancing its domestically produced KAAN fighter jet, even as negotiations with Washington persist.