Turkey’s annoyance at Greece’s positions, which has been signaled through Kyriakos Mitsotakis that countries that threaten war to members of the Union cannot participate in the SAFE program, sources at the neighbor’s Defense Ministry conveyed in a briefing today.

“We are witnessing efforts in the direction of excluding non-EU allies, including our country, from the European Defence and Security Architecture, or using it as a means of transaction. As can be understood, some EU member states are seeking to realize their maximalist ambitions, blocking very important decisions on EU security,” these sources initially said.

According to the same sources, “European security can only be strengthened through participation, strategic foresight and collective solidarity, and that this requires a visionary approach. In this light, we believe that our country, with its defence capabilities, will make a significant contribution to European defence and security. This is also pointed out by many of our allies, members of the EU.”

“In this context, we will continue our work on developing defense cooperation with our open-minded and forward-looking European allies, within the SAFE mechanism or outside of it,” the Turkish Defense Ministry sources concluded.

It is noted that the briefing of defense editors this week was held at sea on the Turkish amphibious operations ship “Anadolu” off the Mediterranean coast, as part of the ship’s participation in the Turkish naval exercise “Thalassolukos”.

The briefing was followed by a demonstration with the launching of drones from the vessel.

Asked another question about whether Turkey’s armed forces will participate in the international task force to be sent to Gaza, Turkish MoD sources said that they are ready to take on any mission assigned to them.

“To date, the Turkish Armed Forces have participated in numerous missions organized by various organizations in different places to maintain international peace and security, earning the appreciation of all parties with their professionalism and fair attitude. The Turkish Armed Forces, which have experience in consolidating and preserving peace, are ready to undertake any mission assigned to them,” he was quoted as saying.

Finally, regarding Turkey’s request for the supply of European Eurofighter fighter jets, the same sources said: “There is still nothing definitive on the issue of Eurofighter supply. When the contract reaches the stage of approval, announcements will be made.”

When the contract reaches the approval stage, announcements will be made.