In the lead-up to a NATO summit in Ankara, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis refrained from making direct comments on reports suggesting the United States might resume the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. Instead, he emphasized the need for NATO allies to be mindful of regional security issues. Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s commitment to fostering better relations with Türkiye through dialogue and cooperative neighborly relations.
The prime minister underscored that NATO should consider the security concerns of all its member nations, pointing to the ongoing regional disputes that have persisted for years. His remarks came in response to recent signals from U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that Washington might lift certain defense-related restrictions on Türkiye. This could include the sale of F-35 jets and the easing of CAATSA sanctions.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to mend ties, Greece and Türkiye remain at odds over issues such as maritime boundaries and territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. These disputes continue to be significant sources of tension between the two NATO member countries.
Mitsotakis’s approach reflects Greece’s balancing act of supporting dialogue while ensuring its national security concerns are acknowledged by the broader NATO community. The potential shift in U.S. policy towards Türkiye could have significant implications for regional dynamics, adding another layer to the already complex relationship between Athens and Ankara.