Following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning to Greece regarding its military activities in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye will not stand by as Greece bolsters its military presence on islands that Ankara believes should remain demilitarized according to international treaties. Despite Türkiye’s desire to maintain amicable relations, Erdoğan urged Athens to reconsider its stance on deploying military forces in these regions.
In response, Greece has defended its actions, citing security concerns and asserting its right to protect its territory. The two nations have long-standing disagreements over maritime boundaries and marine park plans in the Aegean Sea. Erdoğan clarified that Türkiye harbors no intentions of territorial expansion, but remains committed to safeguarding its perceived rights. He cautioned that disregarding international agreements could exacerbate tensions, urging Greece to reflect on historical conflicts.
Beyond regional disputes, Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s interest in strengthening ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization while maintaining robust relations with Western countries. During his summit visit, Erdoğan engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and security issues in the Black Sea. He advocated for establishing enduring security measures to protect commercial shipping, highlighting the rising risks faced by Turkish vessels in the area.
Erdoğan also touched on Türkiye’s defense collaborations with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, as well as initiatives to resolve the PKK conflict. Additionally, he addressed Türkiye’s aspirations to rejoin the US F-35 fighter jet program, noting that negotiations with Washington are ongoing. Meanwhile, Türkiye is advancing the development of its domestically produced KAAN fighter aircraft.