05.07.2026 22:00
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, making notable statements ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, firmly ruled out the possibility of an armed conflict with Turkey, saying, "We do not foresee war under any circumstances." Mitsotakis, stating they will maintain defense deterrence for regional stability, said he would raise the issue of maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean during a possible bilateral meeting with President Erdoğan.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in an exclusive interview with the Greek news platform Liberal ahead of the NATO Leaders Summit to be held in Ankara, made striking assessments regarding the relations with Turkey and the tension over military territorial waters in the Aegean.
“WE DO NOT FORESEE WAR WITH TURKEY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES”
Firmly rejecting the possibility of an armed conflict with Turkey, Mitsotakis declared that they do not expect a war between the two neighboring countries. Emphasizing that Greece's top priority is maintaining regional stability, Mitsotakis said, "We do not foresee war under any circumstances."
However, noting that this does not mean relaxing the defense industry, the Prime Minister stressed that Athens will preserve its military stance, stating, "We must strengthen our deterrence so that no one even considers challenging Greece's sovereignty."
Reminding that crises should be resolved through diplomatic means without escalation, Mitsotakis stated that geography condemns the two countries to live together peacefully despite all differences, and expressed that he is always open to meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"MARITIME JURISDICTION AREAS" WILL BE ON THE TABLE AT THE NATO SUMMIT
Sharing his strategies for the upcoming NATO Summit, the Greek Prime Minister indicated that if he holds a bilateral meeting with President Erdogan during the summit, his agenda will be very clear. Mitsotakis announced that he will bring up the issue of delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
Referring to his past visits to Ankara, Mitsotakis also added that he directly raised the "casus belli" decision declared by the Turkish Parliament in 1995, which considers Greece extending its territorial waters to 12 miles as a cause for war, with Turkish authorities.