Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the announcement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Marine National Parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas (21.07.2025)

Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the announcement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Marine National Parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas (21.07.2025)

The establishment of Marine National Parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas is based purely on environmental criteria in areas under Greek sovereignty.

Any reference to enclosed or semi-enclosed seas is entirely unfounded.

The legal status of the Aegean Sea is clear. Greek sovereignty over this area has been clearly and permanently defined by international treaties.

Greece has consistently been in favour of dialogue with Türkiye, intending to resolve the only Greek-Turkish dispute, in accordance with international law, namely the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone between the two countries.

The exercise of rights stemming from Greek sovereignty is not subject to negotiation.

July 21, 2025