Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias described Turkey’s demands for “coordination” in areas east of the 25th meridian as unacceptable.

The Turkish state revisited its confrontational posturing this week, responding to Greek media reports on Turkish-issued NAVTEX in the Aegean and dismissing claims that they are valid for two years, insisting instead that they have no fixed duration

Turkey on Friday issued two separate NAVTEX communications for the Aegean Sea, with diplomatic sources in Greece stressing that the timing of their release and the long duration (2 years) indicate Ankara’s intention to revive its illegal revisionary claims in the Aegean Sea. The first NATVTEX is a general reminder: “covering the Turkish continental shelf […]

The government spokesperson dismissed any notion of U.S. mediation in Greek-Turkish relations, emphasizing that it is not under consideration “not even as a discussion, not even as a theory.”

Speaking during a television appearance, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias added that '...if the Turkish side wishes, within the framework of international law, to find a solution to the problem, we can certainly find a solution to the problem'

Irate response by Turkish CHP party deputy chairman, who invokes 'international law'

Overall, the Political Dialogue is expected to focus on maintaining the current atmosphere of calm and “quiet waters” between the two neighbors, despite occasional discord.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, appearing on a weekend current affairs program, confirmed that the goal will be to try and commence dialogue over delimitating maritime zones between the two neighboring countries

Regional developments were also discussed, although bilateral relations dominated the phone discussion.

Reports in the local media on Thursday cited annoyance by Turkish foreign ministry 'sources', as Ankara continues to claim 'jurisdiction in maritime zones between clusters of Greek islands

As we embark on 2026, there’s no doubt that relations have de-escalated, but equally so that they now find themselves at a crossroads. 

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized that Greece does not threaten its neighbors but will firmly defend its sovereignty, responding to Turkish claims over military exercises and airspace tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean

In statements on Wednesday, Greek FM George Gerapetritis reiterated the need to maintain open channels of communication with neighboring Turkey

The convening of the Greek-Turkish Supreme Cooperation Council in early 2026 could be the first step toward resolving decades-long differences, but Turkey’s willingness to follow tenets of international law remains doubtful

Ankara’s renewed claims in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Thrace narrow the room for meaningful talks—even as both sides publicly insist they want dialogue under international law.

The reaction, albeit in an “unofficial manner”, comes after same-day comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan before Turkey’s national assembly

Greek and Turkish officials prepare for the 6th High-Level Cooperation Summit in Ankara, aiming to focus on shared priorities, low-tension issues, and regional energy and security projects, while paving the way for deeper trust between the two neighbors

Sources from the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence said Greece is “obliged to maintain its deterrent capability”.

'An update of Greece's MSP map on the Commission's platform was carried out in accordance with the Law of the Sea and the bilateral agreements,' a foreign ministry spokeswoman in Athens reiterated on Friday

The statement by the Turkish president came during an address to members of his ruling AKP party's Parliamentary group, and a day after an annual Commission report on Turkey's EU progress