Türkiye rejects Greek Cyprus-Egypt agreement on Eastern Mediterranean
Ministry of National Defense (MoD) Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk made statements at the weekly press briefing held at the Counter Terrorism Center of Excellence Command. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense (MoD) addressed key security and defense issues during a weekly press briefing, responding to questions on regional developments, military operations, and international defense cooperation.
Türkiye rejects Egypt-Greek Cyprus agreement
Turkish MoD officials dismissed the recent agreement between Egypt and the Greek Cyprus, stating that it disregards the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and is therefore considered “null and void.”
“This agreement, like others that ignore the interests of Turkish Cypriots and restrict their rights, is not recognized,” ministry sources stated. “Türkiye will not hesitate to use its authority as a guarantor state against Greek Cypriot’s actions that threaten the security of Turkish Cypriots and the stability of the island.”
NATO exercise and Greece’s claims
The briefing also covered the ongoing NATO Steadfast Dart 2025 exercise, where Türkiye objected to Greece’s demands, which were deemed inconsistent with international law and Türkiye’s sovereign rights.
“Türkiye initially planned to participate in Steadfast Dart 2025 with reconnaissance units and naval assets. However, after identifying elements in the planning documents that violated Türkiye’s national rights and international law, we engaged in high-level diplomatic efforts within NATO. As a result, the exercise plan was escalated to the NATO Military Committee and rendered invalid,” ministry sources explained.
Türkiye’s reconnaissance unit withdrew from the exercise but will continue participation in Romania’s DACIA 2025 exercise, while Turkish naval assets will maintain their commitments to NATO’s Standing Naval Task Groups.
Developments in Syria
Regarding reports that the PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF terrorist group would integrate into a newly formed Syrian military force, the ministry reiterated its position: “Türkiye continues to monitor developments in Syria closely. As we have previously stated, all armed groups must disarm, foreign fighters must leave Syria, and any integration into the national army must be under a unified structure without separate formations.”
“Türkiye does not recognize autonomous military structures and remains committed to working with the new Syrian government on this basis,” MoD source added.
Call for cease-fire compliance in Gaza and Lebanon
MoD urged Israel to fully comply with cease-fire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon and called on the international community to support a lasting peace based on justice and equality.
“We urge all parties to uphold the cease-fire and prevent further escalation. The international community must ensure human rights are respected and contribute to a just and lasting peace,” the Turkish MoD stated.
