Maria Karystianou criticizes Kyriakos Mitsotakis – Recep Tayyip Erdogan meeting

Karystianou described the diplomatic encounter as a “national diplomatic defeat,” rejecting portrayals of the meeting as a “warm reception.” In a pointed remark, she stated:

“If you are welcomed at the airport by Turkey’s Minister of Tourism, you cannot characterize this as a ‘warm reception’ instead of a national diplomatic setback.”

“Respect for International Law Is a Precondition for Real Dialogue”

Karystianou argued that it is misleading to speak of “substantive dialogue” between Greece and Turkey under current conditions. She accused Turkey of repeatedly issuing what she described as unlawful NAVTEX announcements in the Aegean, maintaining its military presence in 37% of Cyprus for decades, promoting what she called revisionist doctrines such as the “Blue Homeland,” and instrumentalizing migration flows.

“Dialogue requires respect for international law,” Karystianou stressed, warning that without this prerequisite, bilateral talks risk legitimizing what she described as President Erdoğan’s “expansionist ambitions.”

“Are We Certifying Our Rights — or Negotiating Them?”

Karystianou also addressed Mitsotakis’ statement that Greece could turn to an international court if dialogue fails to produce an agreement.

She framed the issue as a fundamental dilemma:

“Are we seeking international recognition of rights that are already guaranteed — or are we negotiating those rights?”

Emphasizing that good neighborly relations must be built on tangible actions rather than rhetorical aspirations, Karystianou argued that a clear and firm stance is necessary when sovereign rights are perceived to be under question.

Concluding her remarks, she stated that Greece needs a conscious and united public, as well as leadership that clearly and unequivocally defends national sovereignty based on documented legal arguments.