Fidan says Türkiye does not want tensions in the Aegean
Speaking in a live interview with NTV, Fidan said Türkiye’s position on the Aegean disputes would remain unchanged until the continental shelf issue is resolved. He stressed that Ankara was not seeking confrontation but would continue to raise its concerns through diplomatic channels.
Fidan reiterates Türkiye’s position on the Aegean
Fidan rejected suggestions that Türkiye was failing to take developments and potential threats in the Aegean seriously, saying Ankara’s position was clear.
“Regarding the disputes in the Aegean, our position is clear until the continental shelf issue is resolved. We are not in favor of creating tensions,” Fidan said, according to Anadolu Agency.
He added that Türkiye “absolutely” does not accept the arming of islands that have a demilitarized status and said Ankara was pursuing what he described as careful and persistent diplomatic initiatives on the issue.
Fidan said some diplomatic efforts were deliberately kept out of the public domain because public discussion could create additional difficulties in Greece.
“This region needs peace, not armament,” he said, adding that war was in nobody’s interest and that peace should remain the priority.
Greek domestic politics and Türkiye
Fidan also commented on the role of Türkiye-related issues in Greek domestic politics.
He argued that Greek politicians could use Türkiye as a means of gaining public attention or political support, particularly as Greece moves toward an election period.
Fidan said Türkiye’s domestic political agenda was different and argued that Greece should not conduct its politics from what he described as an overly narrow perspective.
He also recalled an understanding reached with the Greek government from May 2023 aimed at resolving bilateral issues in good faith and avoiding a return to previous levels of tension in the Aegean.
Ankara warns against escalation
Fidan said Türkiye was closely monitoring developments and that the Turkish Armed Forces and Coast Guard Command remained sensitive to developments in the Aegean.
He expressed hope that no side would take what he described as a reckless step and said the region needed peace and stability.
The foreign minister also said Türkiye hoped statements by Greek officials would remain at the level of rhetoric rather than develop into actions that could further escalate tensions.
In comments reported by Anadolu Agency, Fidan warned that if Greece were to pursue what he characterized as “irrational” or “adventurous” steps, Türkiye’s seriousness and capabilities were well known.
The latest remarks come amid continued disagreements between Türkiye and Greece over the Aegean, including maritime boundaries, the continental shelf and the status and militarization of certain islands. Ankara and Athens have also maintained diplomatic contacts aimed at preventing escalation and managing their longstanding disputes.
