On the eve of a NATO summit in Ankara, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chose not to directly address reports suggesting the United States might resume the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. Instead, Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of NATO allies being attuned to regional security issues. Although he expressed Greece’s support for fostering better relations with Türkiye through dialogue and good-neighborly cooperation, he underscored the necessity for NATO to consider the security apprehensions of all its member nations, alluding to the enduring disputes in the area.
The context of Mitsotakis’s comments is framed by the recent signals from former US President Donald Trump, indicating that the United States could be contemplating lifting certain restrictions on defense collaboration with Türkiye. These potential changes include the sale of F-35 jets and the easing of sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). This development comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at mending the often fraught relationship between Greece and Türkiye.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, Greece and Türkiye remain at odds over several critical issues. The primary points of contention include disputes over maritime boundaries and territorial claims in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. These disputes have long fueled tensions between the two neighboring countries, both of which are key members of NATO.
Mitsotakis’s remarks reflect the delicate balance that Greece seeks to maintain. On one hand, Greece aims to improve bilateral relations with Türkiye; on the other hand, it remains vigilant about its national security interests, which are closely tied to the broader stability of the region. His call for NATO to weigh the security concerns of all members highlights the complex dynamics at play within the alliance, particularly in a region that has historically been marred by friction.