Greece’s work and possible developments regarding the areas designated for the development of marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Sea, which it will announce by the end of the month, are being followed by Turkey, according to an article published by Anadolu Agency, while at the same time it is rapidly continuing its work.

According to information cited by Anadolu, Turkey is closely monitoring developments on whether the maritime areas that Greece will announce by the end of the month will be related to conflicting interests in the Aegean Sea.

Meanwhile, the publication said that while “measures against possible unilateral steps by Greece are being considered,” at the same time Ankara is evaluating various protected areas and other measures that may aim to protect the environment in all seas, including the Aegean, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

Anadolu also stands by the statements made by Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the United Nations Conference on Oceans held in Nice, during which he stressed that before the end of the month, Greece will create two new national parks in the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea (southern Cyclades).

Moreover, he recalls a statement made last year by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the issue, stating that “it is known that Greece has long been trying to take advantage of almost every platform in the context of Aegean issues. Despite the recent easing of our relations, it seems that Greece is exploiting environmental issues this time as well.” Meanwhile, last April, Turkish media had released information regarding the Turkish Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) under development, with Anadolu noting that the necessary applications for the registration of Turkey’s marine spatial plan with the UN have been submitted.