In recent weeks, and despite assurances from the Turkish side, we have witnessed an escalation of Turkish aggressive rhetoric, as well as unprecedented actions against our sovereignty and sovereign rights.
Our response to these challenges is guided by three constant parameters.
Firstly, we react with caution and calm. We do not get carried away by the extreme rhetoric coming from the opposite side of the Aegean. We choose how and when we respond. It is obvious that Turkish aggression is not limited to our country. The rumours of an imminent Turkish invasion of northern Syria, as well as the strong reaction to the prospect of Sweden and Finland joining NATO are signs of nervousness, which we must confront with determination and maturity. At the same time, they further demonstrate Turkey's revisionist stance.
Secondly, we respect and promote the principled positions on which our foreign policy is founded: Respect for International Law and protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. We are applying these principles in the case of Ukraine, but also towards Turkey. Greece is not an “evasive neutral”. It fully embraces the values of democracies. It does not carry out “blackmail”. It expects partners and allies not to give in to blackmail as well, no matter what "cloak" they may be wearing. On the basis of these principles, we respond to all unsubstantiated and unfounded Turkish claims, as recently with the letter to the UN Secretary-General. We deconstructed the unprecedented questioning of sovereignty over Aegean islands by presenting solid legal arguments.
I believe that Greece's policy of credibility is bearing fruit. Our country’s international standing has been significantly upgraded. Our partners count on Greece as a force of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the Balkans, and of course in Europe. This is demonstrated by the Prime Minister's extraordinarily successful visit to the United States.
Thirdly, we do not pursue and do not intend to pursue a Turkey-centric foreign policy, based solely on our neighbour’s conduct. We have clearly set out the framework within which we are willing to discuss our one and only dispute. However, we need to seize the opportunities that arise and work with countries that embrace the same principles to address current and, above all, future challenges. We have built a network of understandings and strategic partnerships in the Mediterranean. We are a role model in the Balkans. We are expanding our horizons with emerging global powers in Asia, such as India and Japan. We are building a network of cooperation in Africa. Not forgetting, of course, our European partners. In this context, I will be welcoming my German counterpart in Athens in a few days, to examine together the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Ukraine, but also to discuss our common European future.
Despite fundamental changes in the geopolitical environment, Greece’s policy does not operate in contradistinction to others. It pursues a value-based policy and vigorously safeguards our national interests.
May 28, 2022