Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said NATO’s cohesion depends on respect for good neighbourly relations and the security concerns of all member states, as he reiterated that Greece continues to face a standing threat of war from Turkey.

Speaking upon his arrival for the second day of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Mitsotakis said the alliance is meeting during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with discussions focused on a fairer sharing of defense responsibilities among allies.

Greece Highlights Defense Spending

Mitsotakis reaffirmed his support for stronger European strategic autonomy, stressing that it should serve as a stronger European pillar within NATO rather than compete with the alliance.

He noted that Greece has already met the target of allocating 3.5% of its GDP to defense spending and is implementing a €25 billion military modernization program. He added that Greece has consistently honored its NATO commitments, including during periods of severe economic hardship, and is now among the alliance’s top five defense spenders.

F-35 Remarks and Turkish Casus Belli

Asked about recent comments by US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding F-35 fighter jets and US-Turkey relations, Mitsotakis declined to comment directly.

Instead, he stressed that NATO allies should take into account the sensitivities of all member states. He reminded reporters that Greece remains under a Turkish casus belli—a standing threat of war—should it exercise what it considers its legal right to extend its territorial waters.

“My country faces a constant threat of war from Turkey,” Mitsotakis said, adding that all allies’ concerns should be respected within the alliance.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that outstanding issues between Greece and Turkey can be resolved through cooperation and good neighbourly relations, reiterating that he has consistently supported improving ties between the two countries. He added that it is always a pleasure to visit Ankara.

Middle East Ceasefire

The Greek prime minister also addressed developments in the Middle East, expressing hope that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran will hold.

He said diplomacy should be given the necessary time to address the crisis, warning that renewed tensions could drive up oil prices and further increase the cost of living across Europe.