“I would like to assure the Greek people that Greece has very strong alliances and also an upgraded geostrategic role.
Tsipras and Erdogan have enjoyed frosty relations in the past
Two Turkish F-16s reportedly entered the Athens Flight Information Region unexpectedly, raising alarms in the nation.
He added that Greece will remain vigilant and look out for a “hot incident” that may lead to regional conflict.
Cyprus has been a historical flashpoint of conflict between Athens and Ankara, with land and populace disputes stretching back decades.
Turkey has repeatedly violated Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone – an area where the state has special economic rights over.
Despite the US and European Union backing Cyprus in the dispute, President Erdogan has been stalwart in his desire to defend the rights of Turkish Cypriots by continuing to drill there.
He said: “Nobody can tell us ‘why did you do this like this’ or ‘why did you do this’.
“To whoever asks ‘what business do you have here?’ we respond ‘Really? We are a guarantor power, and as such we will protect our rights until the end, wherever these may be, across our entire EEZ’.”
Turkish ships are violating Cyprus’ EEZ
99 – that’s how many times Turkish F-16s violated Greek airspace in one day
Nicos Anastasiades will have the opportunity to raise the issue at the upcoming MED7 summit – where he will meet with the likes of France and Spain.
Despite the potential of Greece and Turkey clashing, NATO has not responded militarily to the presence of Turkish warships and drillships in the region.
Ankara is also locked in a diplomatic battle with Washington over their desired purchase of Russian S-400 missiles.
The US warned they would no longer supply their own F-35 fighter jets to Turkey if they continued buying missiles from Moscow – but the Turkish foreign minister hit back with threats of their own.
