Turkey is keeping a close watch on recent defence developments and military initiatives by Greece and Cyprus, according to Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk, who spoke during a weekly briefing in Izmir on Thursday.
“While our country stands for peace, stability, and good neighborly relations in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, we maintain our determination to protect our rights and interests. The Turkish Armed Forces are taking all necessary measures for the security of our country and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” Akturk said during the briefing.
“What the region needs is not arms races and steps that increase tensions, but the strengthening of cooperation and dialogue based on international law,” he added, noting that Greece’s decision to increase defense spending is “primarily a matter for the Greek people to consider.”
Cyprus has been divided for decades following Turkey’s 1974 invasion following a coup backed by Greece. The self-declared Turkish Cypriot administration in the north is recognised only by Turkey, which continues to station tens of thousands of troops there.
Source: Ekathimerini
