Athens has responded to the aggressive rhetoric of Hakan Fidan through the statement of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.

“Greece conducts an active and consistent foreign policy, based on the universal values of international law and is not externally directed,” the Greek Foreign Minister said.

“We will not deviate from these principles, and whoever is bothered must accept it, because admonitions and accusations are not acceptable. Greece actively seeks peace and good neighborly relations; however, when it comes to issues of national interest, there can be no discussion,” he added.

Fidan’s Provocative Statements

Yesterday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister made new critical remarks about Greece regarding the EU’s SAFE program, while also taking aim at Greece’s stance on European security.

Hakan Fidan commented on his country’s relations with Athens, claiming that “anti-Turkish sentiment flourishes in Greek politics,” adding that Turkey closely monitors Greece and emphasizing that such political rhetoric does not help the bilateral relationship and fuels regional tension.

The Turkish minister urged the neighboring country to “put Turkey back on the agenda immediately,” implying the need to revive discussions on cooperation in security matters, which Ankara considers crucial for European stability.

Fidan’s reference to the EU’s SAFE program placed particular emphasis on Greece’s political stance, especially following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ statements in Parliament, where he stressed that Turkey would not participate in the specific program aimed at safeguarding European defense.

Fidan described this boastful attitude as “an issue worth monitoring closely,” warning that decisions affecting Europe’s security should not serve the interests of a single country but should promote collective security.

Continuing in the same vein, Fidan revisited Turkey’s stance in 1980, when it accepted Greece’s return to NATO’s military structure after its withdrawal in 1974.

“Turkey at the time said ‘okay’ and accepted Greece’s return, even though it could have refused,” Fidan said, adding that Turkey took into account the broader strategic picture and made its decision with regional stability in mind.

However, he went on to say that today Turkey expects Greece to show the same strategic maturity, since the challenges to European security are much greater and not limited to the bilateral differences between the two countries.

EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Fidan noted that Turkey will participate in the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, where he will have the opportunity to discuss the issue with his Greek counterpart, who has already requested a meeting.

Despite its disagreements with Greece, Turkey remains open to discussions on strengthening European security and seeks cooperation to ensure stability in the region.