Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has firmly rejected claims by his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan that Greece, Cyprus and Israel are forming a military alliance against Muslim countries in the region.
The response followed remarks by Fidan at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, where he alleged the three countries had “formed an alliance against Muslim countries in the region” and warned of what he described as a broader strategy to encircle Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement, Cyprus’ foreign ministry said such claims “are rejected”, adding they overlook “the continued illegal occupation of Cyprus”, and stressing that “it is Turkey itself that illegally occupies sovereign European territory, with tens of thousands of soldiers in an offensive posture.”
The ministry also highlighted ongoing diplomatic outreach, releasing footage of Kombos’ recent meetings with counterparts across the Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Qatar, as well as representatives from the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Fidan, speaking separately, criticised what he described as “extremely dangerous policies” by Athens and questioned the rationale behind cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
“What strategic logic could justify seeking this kind of cooperation is something that not even they can explain to me”, he said.
He further suggested Israel could reposition Turkey as a regional adversary, claiming it “may seek to characterize Turkey as a new adversary after Iran, as it cannot survive without an enemy.”
Fidan also linked wider instability in the region to Israeli military actions, citing operations in Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria, which he warned posed a “serious danger” to Turkey’s security environment.
In a parallel response, Greece’s foreign ministry reiterated that the country “shapes its foreign policy independently, does not accept instructions, nor does it owe explanations to anyone.” It added that Greece’s partnerships are grounded in promoting “stability, good neighbourly relations and peace over time” and “have a peaceful purpose and are not directed against third parties.”
Source: Cyprus Mail
