Greece’s Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, has described a potential path toward resolving long-standing differences with Turkey as a “highway” based on international law, emphasizing diplomacy and de-escalation while outlining an ambitious defense industry expansion.

Speaking at the DEFEA Conference 2026 in Athens, held at the Metropolitan Expo near Athens International Airport, Dendias said there is a “window, a door, a road, and a highway” for addressing disputes between the two countries. He stressed that Greece does not claim anything from Turkey that is not grounded in international law.

According to the minister, any progress depends on the Turkish government recognizing that 21st-century relations must be governed by international law and the Law of the Sea. He also noted his belief that Turkish society itself does not hold hostile intentions toward Greece.

No “Turko-Centric” Foreign Policy

Dendias rejected the idea that Greece’s foreign policy is shaped primarily around its relationship with Turkey, stating that Athens does not form ad hoc anti-Turkish alliances.

He described Greece’s approach as “360-degree diplomacy,” focused on protecting national and European interests across all directions. Operational defense decisions, he added, are based on recommendations from Greece’s military leadership and approved through the country’s top government council.

Defense Industry Targeted for Major Growth

A central theme of his address was the development of Greece’s defense and innovation sector. Dendias set a long-term ambition for the domestic defense industry to reach €10 billion in value, surpassing earlier projections linked to the country’s medium-term defense planning.

He underlined the importance of balancing public spending oversight with technological innovation, arguing that defense systems must evolve alongside real-world needs rather than lag behind them.

The conference brought together major international defense companies and European aerospace representatives, highlighting Greece’s growing role in the sector.

Cautious Approach to International Missions

On international security operations, including potential involvement in maritime missions near the Strait of Hormuz, Dendias said Greece would only participate under clearly defined operational conditions.

He stressed that protecting human life and national shipping interests remains a priority, and rejected what he described as outdated, impulsive military approaches.

Diplomacy on the Margins of the Conference

On the sidelines of the event, Dendias held meetings with the President of Cyprus and a senior NATO official, discussing regional security developments and cooperation. Talks also focused on strengthening stability in the southeastern flank of the alliance and advancing Greece’s defense modernization agenda, known as “Agenda 2030.”

The minister reiterated that the transformation of Greece’s armed forces and the development of its defense industry remain key strategic priorities in the years ahead.