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Mitsotakis: NATO Relies on Good Neighborliness; Greece Faces Constant War Threat from Turkey
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Conflict & Security

Mitsotakis: NATO Relies on Good Neighborliness; Greece Faces Constant War Threat from Turkey

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that NATO relies on good neighborly relations, while his country faces a constant threat of war from Turkey.
  • He highlighted Greece's significant defense spending, noting it ranks among the top five NATO countries meeting the 3.5% of GDP target.
  • Mitsotakis expressed hope for a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East between the U.S. and Iran.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that NATO's foundation rests on good neighborly principles, asserting that Greece itself confronts a persistent threat of war emanating from Turkey. Speaking upon his arrival at the White Palace in Ankara for the second day of the NATO Summit, Mitsotakis stressed that the alliance's cohesion requires respect for good neighborly relations and the concerns of all member states.

"We are defenders of European defense enhancement," Mitsotakis stated. He pointed out Greece's substantial commitment to defense, noting that the country is already among the top five NATO nations that have achieved the target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defense expenditures since 2026.

We are defenders of European defense enhancement.

โ€” Kyriakos MitsotakisPrime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking at the NATO Summit.

Addressing regional developments, the Greek leader expressed optimism regarding the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, hoping it would endure. When questioned about recent statements by Donald Trump and a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoฤŸan, Mitsotakis declined to comment directly on the former. However, he reiterated his core message: "NATO is based on the principles of good neighborliness, and my country faces a constant threat of war from Turkey."

Mitsotakis also conveyed his strong support for improving bilateral relations, though the context of this statement, particularly in relation to Turkey, remains a point of tension. The Prime Minister's remarks underscore Greece's dual focus on strengthening European defense capabilities and managing its complex relationship with its neighbor, Turkey, within the framework of the NATO alliance.

NATO is based on the principles of good neighborliness, and my country faces a constant threat of war from Turkey.

โ€” Kyriakos MitsotakisPrime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commenting on NATO principles and the threat from Turkey.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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