The results of the NATO Summit, the war in Ukraine and Greek-Turkish relations were among the topics discussed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the press conference after the end of the meeting.
"The challenges that the Alliance will have to face are of great diplomatic importance for the future of NATO. It is important to be able to present a defence against Russia's ambitions," the Prime Minister said. He then added: "Any obstacles to expanding the Alliance with Finland and Sweden were quickly and painlessly overcome so that we could invite the two countries."
"Today's summit discussed illegal migration, the Libyan issue, the rise of Islamic terrorism. Greece wants to be a protagonist in this debate. There is concern about the food crisis and Greece offers to help any effort to untangle wheat from Spain. Greece has a special role to play, it has the largest fleet in the maritime sector."
Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, the Greek Prime Minister also noted that "it is clear to everyone that everyone's commitment to NATO is in Ukraine. There is no luxury for further discussion and destabilization in another part of Ukraine. There is no tolerance for other potential problems, nor can the Alliance be a field for resolving bilateral disputes."
On Greek-Turkish
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, the Prime Minister noted that Turkey did not raise any issue against Greece in any of the discussions that took place.
Regarding the US message through the White House statement, the Prime Minister said: "The White House has made clear that tensions in the Aegean and Syria must be avoided, making a direct plea to Turkey to avoid the extreme rhetoric we have been subjected to. In none of the many discussions we have had over the past few days has Turkey raised any issue whatsoever about making its own arguments against Greece. This says something. Let's see if this has internal aspects."
He was then asked about the "Mitsotakis yok" that Recep Tayyip Erdogan said some time ago, replying: "I heard that in the past, I heard it in other words. We must meet, we must talk and deal with the situation in a civilized way, within the framework of international law," and then said of the Turkish president's change of attitude, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that "a lot of what is said has been accepted by the domestic audience. I will continue to insist that Greece's door to a dialogue within the framework is open."
On Turkaegean
The Prime Minister was also asked about the issue of the term Turkaegean used by Turkey in response: "The government will react. Obviously there are responsibilities. The responsibilities are ministerial, some people within the administration did not do their job well. We have possibilities in our arsenal to correct our image. Although looking at the results of this season, this campaign has not had any particular effect."
On Turkish F-16s
Referring to the possibility of Turkey upgrading and purchasing F-16s, the prime minister went on to clarify that "our country's job is to enhance its own deterrent capability. Look where we are now compared to three years ago with Rafale, frigates, etc."
Source: Proto Thema
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