02.09.2026 13:10
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, answering journalists' questions on the plane returning from Kyrgyzstan, issued stern warnings to Greece, which continues to arm islands in the Aegean with non-military status. Stating that Turkey's prudent approach should not be perceived as a weakness, Erdogan sent the message 'We will do what is necessary' to the Athens administration and called for an end to arming activities.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, answering journalists' questions on the plane on his way back from his visit to Kyrgyzstan, showed a harsh reaction to Greece, which continues its military activities in the Aegean islands. Erdogan said, "Whoever sees Turkey's calm approach as weakness is making a grave mistake. Greece must abandon arming islands with non-military status."
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made important evaluations regarding the agenda on the plane during the return journey after his contacts in Kyrgyzstan. Upon being reminded of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's statements that plans regarding the islands would not change despite Turkey's objections, Erdogan reiterated his call to the Athens administration for constructive neighborliness and emphasized that borders should not be pushed.
"WE WILL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY"
When asked about the steps Turkey would take if Greece continues to arm islands with non-military status, President Erdogan used the following resolute statements: "What should we do? What is our duty? To do what is necessary. We say let us proceed with Greece on the basis of good neighborliness. If we were to raise our voice from our land, say from Kaş towards Greece, they would hear it, right? But we have been sincere in every matter. We have been the constructive side. However, we often could not see the return of our goodwill. Greece must now understand one thing: Turkey has no eye on anyone's territory, but it will not let anyone trample on its rights either."
"WHOEVER SEES IT AS WEAKNESS MAKES A GRAVE MISTAKE"
Emphasizing that disregarding international agreements would benefit no one, Erdogan drew attention to historical responsibilities and regional stability and continued his warnings as follows: "Whoever reads Turkey's calm and sensible approach as weakness, frankly, is making a grave mistake. Greece should turn back from this wrong path it has entered and must abandon arming islands with non-military status. History is a very, very good guide for those who take lessons. We will continue to work for peace, security, and stability in our region."