Greek Foreign Minister Rejects Passive Diplomacy as Athens Opposes Turkish Aegean Marine Parks

Strategic defense and the calm waters policy

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis defended the bilateral de-escalation with Turkey, stating that the period of lowered tension served concrete national objectives rather than being an end in itself. The policy followed a protracted period of escalating friction that previously risked armed conflict in the region. Addressing domestic criticism regarding a passive foreign policy, Gerapetritis stated that Greece utilized the de-escalation to expand its economy and decisively upgrade its armed forces. The military modernization includes the deployment of Rafale fighter jets, upgraded F-16 aircraft, and Belharra frigates, alongside preparations for incoming F-35 stealth fighters. Gerapetritis stated that these acquisitions place Greek air and naval forces in a position of strength, while noting that national airspace violations decreased and eastern Aegean islands experienced economic stability.

The calm waters do not constitute an end in themselves but the means to serve our national goals.

Rejection of Turkish marine park designations

Tensions resurfaced after Ankara announced plans to establish two marine parks in the Northern Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Gerapetritis rejected the move, describing the Turkish marine parks as unlawful initiatives that produce no legal consequences under international law. Athens contends that the Turkish zones extend beyond territorial waters into international waters on the un-delimited Greek continental shelf. Gerapetritis stated that Greece is prepared to counter any unilateral challenge to its sovereign rights. He affirmed that while Athens remains committed to peaceful dispute resolution, the country remains ready for every scenario.

Any attempt to infringe upon our sovereign rights will be countered by every appropriate means.

Diplomatic alliances and maritime initiatives

The foreign minister outlined five primary outcomes delivered during the de-escalation process with Ankara. Beyond military procurement, Greece strengthened strategic alliances with the United States, France, Israel, Egypt, India, and Gulf countries, while expanding its diplomatic presence globally and addressing outstanding regional issues with Libya. Athens also advanced its Maritime Spatial Planning and created marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian seas to establish national positions grounded in international law. Gerapetritis cited the earlier maritime delimitation agreements with Italy and Egypt, alongside the expansion of territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, as concrete steps securing Greek rights.

Bilateral dialogue and Cyprus negotiations

Gerapetritis affirmed that the Athens Declaration remains active, providing a structured dialogue framework and a permanent decompression channel between Greece and Turkey. He noted that regular communication does not mean abandoning Greek positions, as each country maintains its legal arguments in full. The improved bilateral atmosphere also contributed to restarting informal talks on the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General after a prolonged stalemate. Greece intends to maintain dialogue channels with Ankara while insisting that international law governs maritime disputes.