Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Monday that Greece would respond to any Turkish action it considers arbitrary or aggressive, while stressing that dialogue between the two countries remains necessary to prevent tensions from escalating into a crisis.
Speaking to Greek radio station Parapolitika, Gerapetritis said the Athens Declaration remains a framework for structured dialogue between Greece and Turkey, even though the two countries continue to hold different positions on key issues.
“The Athens Declaration continues to constitute a framework for structured dialogue,” Gerapetritis said, adding that the purpose of the process is to prevent tensions that could lead to crises.
He said violations have declined significantly in recent years, while Greece has strengthened its international alliances and diplomatic presence. He also pointed to the strengthening of the armed forces and an improvement in the country’s economic situation, saying these developments have allowed Athens to approach Greek-Turkish relations from a different position.
Greece-Cyprus electricity cable
Gerapetritis also addressed the planned electricity interconnection between Greece and Cyprus, saying the cable could be laid within 2026 based on the schedule of the company implementing the project.
He stressed that under international law, Turkey’s permission is not required for the project and said that “it will not be requested.”
According to Gerapetritis, Greece, Cyprus and France share a common understanding of both the importance of the project and how it should proceed.
He added that the planned notification of movements by ships involved in the project concerns navigational safety and does not constitute an authorization procedure.
Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” initiative
Asked about reports of a Turkish bill concerning the “Blue Homeland” concept, Gerapetritis said there is currently no clear timetable or known content for the initiative.
Greece has already informed relevant European and international bodies, he said. Gerapetritis added that any such Turkish legislative initiative could not, by itself, produce legal effects under international law.
He said Greece has adopted a more proactive policy in recent years, taking initiatives on issues including maritime spatial planning, marine environmental parks and defense cooperation.
Athens, he said, is no longer simply responding to developments but is seeking to shape the agenda.
“Ready for any scenario”
Gerapetritis said Greece is closely monitoring developments and preparing for different possible scenarios in its relations with Turkey.
“We are always ready for any scenario, from the mildest to the most intense,” he said, emphasizing the government’s focus on both strengthening the country’s defenses and expanding its international presence.
At the same time, he said maintaining dialogue with Turkey does not mean Greece is retreating from its positions. Instead, he described dialogue as a tool for managing differences and preventing another crisis.
