Former Greek Foreign Minister: Athens is watching from the sidelines while Türkiye uses its power
The recent Türkiye–Italy–Libya summit in Istanbul continues to stir debate in Greece, with even ruling party lawmakers voicing criticism of the country’s foreign policy. Former Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said the meeting was proof that Türkiye is effectively leveraging its military and geopolitical power, while Athens remains a bystander in critical developments.
Avramopoulos criticized the Greek government, arguing that its fixation on viewing Türkiye solely as a threat harms the nation’s future.
“Ankara, by effectively using its military and geopolitical strength, is positioning itself prominently in relations with Europe and the Arab world. Our obsession with seeing Türkiye only as a threat negatively affects not only Greece’s international standing but also the psychology of Greek citizens,” he wrote.
In an article analyzing the Istanbul summit, Avramopoulos described Greece’s exclusion as “normal,” noting that the three parties aimed to forge strategic partnerships and that Athens was once again absent from the table — a situation he said was no coincidence.
He also highlighted Türkiye’s growing prestige through drone production and its recognition as a reference point in arms exports. Calling for Athens to adopt a new strategic direction, he warned:
“Otherwise, while our neighbors and partners are redrawing the region’s map, we will remain mere spectators.”
Source: TRT Haber
