We are concerned and dismayed by the remarks of Mr. Nikos Kocias, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, stating that Greece may resort to a “non-peaceful behavior” against our country, as reflected on some media outlets yesterday (16 February).

The Prime Ministers of the two countries held a telephone conversation only a few days ago. As clearly seen in the press release issued by the Office of our Prime Minister regarding this call, it is emphasized that we were disturbed by the recent tension in the Aegean Sea with our neighbor Greece, and that we expected Greece to take necessary measures to de-escalate the current tension. Thus, the need for focusing on the solution of the problems through dialogue and consolidation of confidence building measures were further stressed during the conversation that took place in a positive atmosphere, despite differing views.

In this regard, we reiterate that our country prefers decreasing tension in the Aegean.

However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece adopts a non-peaceful and presumptuous stance incompatible with the responsibility that his political position requires.

We invite the Greek Foreign Minister to act with common sense in accordance with the shared expectations exchanged during the conversation between the two Prime Ministers.