15.01.2026 14:25
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made a significant impact at the press conference with his response to a Greek journalist's question about expectations in relations and the next steps. Fidan stated, "The issue of Turkey being perceived as a threat in Greek domestic politics has always played a driving force in politics. In other words, whenever someone tries to do something regarding Turkey, they inevitably have to pay a political price."
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held an information meeting with representatives of national and international media organizations based in Turkey at a hotel in Istanbul.
In response to a question from Skai Television reporter Manolis Kostidis about expectations in the relations and the next steps, Minister Fidan emphasized that Turkey's intention is not to postpone issues but to resolve them. Fidan stated, "There is only one step; we will come and sit down with the intention and will to solve the existing problems, and we will not leave the table until the problem is resolved. That is to resolve the issue in the Aegean, primarily the Aegean." Fidan noted that President Erdoğan has a great vision and will to resolve this issue, and emphasized that they do not intend to pass the problem to the other side, but pointed out that the internal political balances in Greece complicate the resolution process.
"MITSOTAKIS NEEDS TO PAY A POLITICAL PRICE"
Fidan stated that the political leaders in Greece face difficulties in domestic politics when they sign off on resolving issues with Turkey, indicating that Mitsotakis' strong support in the recent elections could open a window of opportunity in this regard. Fidan remarked, "The issue of perceiving Turkey as a threat in Greek domestic politics always plays a driving force in politics. So whenever someone tries to do something regarding Turkey, they definitely have to pay a political price. Now a political leader in Greece has to make a choice between resolving issues with Turkey and bringing peace to the region, and risking their own political career," he assessed.
Fidan reiterated that they have conveyed multiple times that Turkey is ready not only to hold exploratory talks but also to resolve the issue permanently. He stated that mutual will needs to be established for this. Emphasizing that domestic and foreign policies should be separated, Fidan highlighted the importance of implementing confidence-building measures and the interaction of peoples.
"THE 'DOG FIGHT' HAS DECREASED, COOPERATION HAS INCREASED"
Recalling that tensions in the Aegean have decreased in the last two years and that incidents referred to as "dog fights" have diminished, Minister Fidan noted that cooperation mechanisms are functioning on various issues, primarily the migrant issue. Fidan concluded his remarks by saying, "Let's resolve this Aegean issue permanently without wasting this historic opportunity. I believe this is possible. This issue needs to be discussed on a rational basis, focusing on Greece's national interests and Turkey's national interests."