Greece Sends Erdogan a Firm Message: 'We Are Ready to Respond on the Ground'

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis sent a firm message to Turkey today (Wednesday), saying his country is prepared to deal with a possible escalation in tensions and to respond on the ground if necessary. At the same time, he declared that Athens will continue to deepen its strategic cooperation with Israel and will not allow other countries to influence its network of alliances.

In an interview with the Greek channel Skai, Greece's foreign minister linked the escalating rhetoric from figures in Ankara to Greece's growing military, economic, and diplomatic strength: "Real power is not found in words. Real power lies in expanding one's diplomatic footprint, in security resilience, and in a strong economy. Over the past three years, Greece has developed all of these areas." In his words, "Those who shout are not always the strongest. In fact, they are more likely to be the weaker ones."

Despite the firm tone, the foreign minister said that at this stage there is no immediate danger of a military confrontation between the countries, while stressing that Greece has prepared for every scenario: "Our assessment is that there is no danger on the ground. Of course, we are always on alert. We have prepared all scenarios for every tension and every increase in pressure. Naturally, we are ready to respond on the ground as well."

Tensions between the countries continue amid disputes over sovereignty in the Aegean Sea, maritime jurisdictions, the arming of Greek islands, and energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. One sensitive issue is the possibility that Greece will extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea, a move Turkey has previously warned it would regard as grounds for war.

Gerapetritis made clear that Athens has not given up on the move: "We have said again and again that extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles is a right of the Greek state, deriving from international law of the sea. We have never relinquished it."

The foreign minister listed additional measures advanced by his government as proof that it is not deterred by Ankara's threats: "We were not afraid to promote maritime spatial planning, we were not afraid to establish marine parks, and we were not afraid to build a force structure that strengthens our islands, despite everything that was said." He added that the undersea electricity cable project between Greece and Cyprus, which has caused tensions with Turkey over the dispute surrounding maritime jurisdictions, will also continue.

Gerapetritis later addressed ties with Israel, against the backdrop of concern in Ankara over closer cooperation among Greece, Cyprus, and Israel: "The answer is clear: of course Greece will continue to develop its cooperation with Israel." He said relations between the countries "have produced significant added value, especially in the fields of security and technology." He also noted that Greece maintains "a dialogue of a genuinely strategic nature with the entire Arab world."

Gerapetritis stressed that "the only thing that is certain is that we will not determine our international alliances according to the wishes of other countries. They can forget that." At the same time, he clarified that "Greece is not plotting against any country, and above all, it is concerned with our own strength."

Alongside the firm messages, the foreign minister emphasized that Greece does not intend to stop its dialogue with Turkey and that communication channels between the countries remain active even during periods of tension: "Talking with your neighbor, especially a neighbor with whom you have historical disputes, is essential." In his words, "One must never close the door to dialogue. Closing the door to dialogue ultimately leaves a legacy of war, not peace."