Today’s statements by Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Greece is not an enemy of Turkey, but a neighbour and ally, were in a different direction from what we had heard in the past.

A senior government source commented that “Mr Erdogan’s statements today on Greek-Turkish relations are moving in a different direction from what we had heard in the recent past”.

The source added that “we are neighbours—we are condemned by geography to live next to one another” and stressed that “what is important at this moment is for this tension, which we did not raise, to subside”.

Earlier today, in a sudden shift, the Turkish president said that Greece is a neighbour and ally of Turkey, and not its enemy.

Speaking from New York before departing for Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed foreign policy issues and, among other matters, referred to Greece.

“Turkey is not an enemy of Greece; it is its neighbour and its ally under the umbrella of NATO,” he stressed.

He added that “relations between the two countries are far too sensitive and important to be used as election material. We have no interest in becoming involved in Greece’s domestic politics. Elections are held in Greece, governments change, the opposition changes. These things do not concern us.”

Meanwhile, in other statements made on his return from New York, the Turkish president expressed his conviction that Turkey will return to the F-35 fighter aircraft program.

He argued that Ankara now expects “specific steps” from Washington in this direction, while stressing that Trump is positive about the prospect.

“President Trump expressed a positive willingness regarding Turkey’s return to the F-35 program,” Erdoğan said.