Turkey is closely monitoring recent armament activities and military initiatives by Greece and Cyprus in the region, Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said on Thursday during a weekly briefing in Izmir.
“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 in response to a journalist’s question.
He added that “what the region needs is not arms races and steps that increase tensions, but the strengthening of cooperation and dialogue based on international law,” noting that Greece’s decision to increase defense spending is “primarily a matter for the Greek people to consider.”
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island following a Greece-backed coup. The self-declared Turkish Cypriot administration in the north is recognized only by Turkey, which maintains more than 35,000 troops in the northern part of the island.
