Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar made new incendiary statements against Greece on Friday during a Turkish Air Force event, warning Greece that it has learned the hard way from history.

“We have always and everywhere responded to this disrespect of Greece and we will continue to do so. We have repeatedly reminded our interlocutors to learn from history, and we continue to do so. We say you will get nowhere with this so-called equipment, so-called alliance. Hold the hand of peace that we have extended, let us continue our work according to international law in the framework of good neighbourly relations,” Akar said.

Noting the Turks are closely watching what Greece is doing, Akar said: “We gave the necessary response in the framework of reciprocity for what needs to be done both at the table and on the field.”

Stating that Greece’s provocations, aggressive actions, rhetoric, and illegal actions continue, Akar recalled that Greek warplanes harassed Turkish F-16s on a NATO mission.

He noted that the coordination of this mission began in July: “From July 2, the activity was reported on all NATO channels, everyone had heard and was informed about it. It is impossible [for Greece] not to find out. And yet, they intercepted our F-16s, which were performing their NATO duty. Greece made an extremely negative and false statement saying: ‘We did not know that these were Turkish aircraft’.

“These are extremely hostile, wrong actions. Regarding them, all the competent authorities, both in NATO and here, are making every effort and NATO is following Greece’s lie and denial in the eyes of the countries. We will continue to do what we have to do in this matter. We have always and everywhere responded to this perversion of Greece and we will continue to do so. It is impossible to take a step back regarding our rights and interests in any way. We have sensitively protected the rights and interests of our country and nation and will continue to do so,” continued the Turkish Defence Minister.