As the NATO summit convenes in Ankara, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has chosen not to directly address reports about the potential resumption of F-35 fighter jet sales from the United States to Türkiye. Instead, he emphasized the importance of considering regional security concerns among NATO allies. Mitsotakis expressed Greece’s support for fostering improved relations with Türkiye through dialogue and cooperative neighborly relations, while also underscoring the need for NATO to recognize the security considerations of all its member states, particularly in light of enduring regional disputes.
The prime minister’s remarks come in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s indication that Washington might lift restrictions on defense cooperation with Türkiye, including the potential sale of F-35 aircraft and the easing of CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions. This development suggests a significant shift in defense policy that could have substantial implications for regional dynamics.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at improving bilateral relations, Greece and Türkiye continue to grapple with longstanding disagreements over maritime boundaries and territorial claims, particularly in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. These issues remain persistent sources of tension between the two NATO members, complicating their efforts to reach a consensus on security matters.
As the situation unfolds, both Greece and Türkiye are likely to remain key players in the broader regional security dialogue within NATO. Mitsotakis’s call for sensitivity to security concerns highlights the intricate balance NATO must strike in addressing the interests of its diverse member states while fostering peace and stability in the region.