Greece faces criticism over Patriot deployment amid Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense deal

The Greek government is facing renewed criticism regarding the deployment of its Patriot missile system in Saudi Arabia. This scrutiny intensifies following a trilateral defense agreement signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, which reportedly includes a collective defense clause.

According to reports, the review period for the Greek Patriot battery stationed in Yanbu on the Red Sea may shift from annual to monthly. This development has fueled opposition concerns. PASOK spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas questioned the government's strategy, stating, "We saw the signing of a defense agreement, Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan, which even includes a collective defense clause if one of the three states is threatened."

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We saw the signing of a defense agreement, Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan, which even includes a collective defense clause if one of the three states is threatened.

"The Mitsotakis government's celebrations for the Patriot battery in Saudi Arabia are now followed by a grand 'emptying' from the Saudi leadership, which signs strategic agreements with Turkey," commented EL.AS, reflecting a sentiment of being sidelined. This criticism highlights a perceived shift in regional alliances and Greece's strategic positioning.

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The Mitsotakis government's celebrations for the Patriot battery in Saudi Arabia are now followed by a grand 'emptying' from the Saudi leadership, which signs strategic agreements with Turkey.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Ankara's controversial positions on the Cyprus issue in an interview with Anadolu Agency. Fidan advocated for a two-state solution and the continued presence of Turkish troops on the island, stating, "We do not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration as a state... If you do not recognize the rights of Turkish Cypriots, neither will we recognize your state because you are not the state founded in 1960. Everyone knows that."

In Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides vowed to intensify efforts to execute arrest warrants for those responsible for the assassinations of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou 30 years ago during memorial events in Paralimni.

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We do not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration as a state... If you do not recognize the rights of Turkish Cypriots, neither will we recognize your state because you are not the state founded in 1960. Everyone knows that.