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Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense (MoND) stated Thursday that it is closely monitoring recent armament activities and military initiatives by Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA), warning that the region needs cooperation and dialogue rather than an arms race.
The ministry remarked that Greece's decision to increase defense spending is "primarily a matter for the Greek people to consider."
"We are closely and carefully monitoring the recent armament activities and military initiatives of Greece and the GCA in the region. 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 ministry noted.
"The Turkish Armed Forces are taking all necessary measures for the security of our country and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). What the region needs is not arms races and steps that increase tensions, but the strengthening of cooperation and dialogue based on international law," the statement added.
"Furthermore, Greece's decision to increase defense spending is primarily a matter for the Greek people to consider," the ministry said.
At a weekly press briefing held at the 2nd Main Jet Base Command in Cigli, Izmir, on the occasion of the Turkish Air Forces' 115th founding anniversary, Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk also addressed the situation in the Middle East.
Akturk said Israel's "aggressive and expansionist posture" in the region is worsening the humanitarian situation daily, with Israeli forces expanding their occupied areas in Lebanon and the government tolerating provocations by extremist Israeli groups at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
"We once again emphasize that the international community must increase pressure on Israel and take concrete steps against these actions, which are a clear violation of international law and target peace and stability in the region," he said.
On the Iran-U.S. talks, Akturk expressed hope that the negotiations would result in lasting peace and urged all parties to act prudently and constructively.
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