K. Mitsotakis: A completely isolated Turkey does not benefit Greece – We do not want a Turkey that does not talk

By Dimitris Gatsios

The Prime Minister described the Madrid Summit, which is coming to an end, as successful for NATO, but also for our country.

Mr. Mitsotakis estimated that the messages sent to Ankara by the US, but also by the allies are clear. At the same time, he stressed that the Alliance’s commitment is exclusively to support Ukraine and there is no tolerance for other possible problems, nor can the Alliance be a field for resolving bilateral disputes between Member States.

Commenting on the White House announcement, after the Biden-Erdogan four, the prime minister stressed that through this it becomes clear that tensions in the Aegean and Syria must be avoided. “In none of the many discussions we have had these days has Turkey raised any issue at all concerning the presentation of its own arguments against Greece. That says something,” he said, attributing Erdogan’s rhetoric to need to address internal public opinion.

The Prime Minister estimated that the summer will be quiet in the field. Asked about the inclusive “Mitsotakis yoke” of Mr. Erdogan, Mr. Mitsotakis noted that this was heard in Evros, but then there was a meeting between the two leaders.

“We have to meet, we have to talk and we have to deal with the situation in a civilized way, within the framework of international law,” was his characteristic disgust. “I estimate that there will be calm on the field and we will not have a repeat of the summer of 2020,” he pointed out. “Much of what is being said is accepted by the domestic audience. I will continue to insist that Greece’s door to a dialogue within the framework of international law is open,” he said, adding that our country will not stop raising issues of Turkish provocation. in all international fora.

“It is not in Greece’s interest for a Turkey that is completely isolated. We do not want a Turkey that does not talk,” he said.

Asked about Turkey’s request for F-16s, Mr Mitsotakis said it was the government’s job to strengthen Greece’s deterrent power, accusing the official opposition that while … it is being cut for Ankara to take The F-16 did not support the government’s steps to shield the country.

As for the F-35s, our country has already sent the letter of interest for the purchase of a squadron, with the prospect of acquiring another one, spoke of a long process and placed their acquisition in 2027 or 2028. When and when there will be necessary budgetary space.

The central point of the Summit was the risk of a global food crisis and Mr. Mitsotakis expressed the readiness of Greece to contribute to the export of Ukrainian cereals, through the Greek fleet.