05.02.2026 18:09
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized that he finds Ankara's foreign policy in the region to be extremely successful and urged the U.S. to choose between Turkey and Israel. Dendias stated, "Is the U.S. perspective aligned with Israel or Turkey more suitable for your interests? Act in accordance with your own interests."
Dendias, who participated in the "Delphi Economic Forum" held in Washington, USA, spoke at a panel and answered questions.
"I FIND TURKEY SUCCESSFUL IN RECENT YEARS"
In response to the moderator's comments that Turkey has achieved significant successes in regions such as Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the Horn of Africa, and that Turkey would benefit from a potential war between the USA and Iran, which would be against Israel and Greece, Dendias said, "I completely agree with you that Turkey has been extremely successful in recent years. You mentioned some of Turkey's successes. I would like to add Libya to those."
Dendias stated that Turkey has shown military presence in western Libya and has developed a new understanding with the administration in the east of the country.
Pointing out that Turkey has also established a presence in Africa, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, Dendias said, "When I was Foreign Minister, I was traveling in Africa. There was a clear Turkish presence everywhere. I also encountered President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan twice. Therefore, Turkey has been extremely successful. It has also been successful in the South Caucasus."
"IS IT ISRAEL'S PERSPECTIVE OR TURKISH PERSPECTIVE THAT SUITS US INTERESTS?"
Dendias, who wants the USA to make a choice between Turkey and Israel, said, "Let's ask the Americans to paint a picture of the future; what kind of Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East do they want 10 years from now, 20 years from now, according to their interests. Then they should go to Ankara and ask the same question to President Erdoğan about what kind of region he wants to see in 10-20 years. How similar can these pictures be? I think they would not be similar; they would be completely different. Therefore, my answer to the USA is: What do you want? Is it Israel's perspective or Turkish perspective that suits your interests? Act according to your own interests."
While referring to the friendship between US President Donald Trump and President Erdoğan, Dendias argued that Trump should invite Erdoğan to "the values, perspective, and interests of the West," and that the opposite should not be the case. Continuing his criticisms and accusations against Turkey and President Erdoğan, which he mentioned in almost every speech, Dendias suggested that the ideal of "blue homeland" should be abandoned.