Ahead of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's upcoming visit to Ankara for a crucial meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, tensions are heightening as Turkish AKP spokesperson Omer Celik publicly raises the contentious issue of the demilitarization of Greek islands. This rhetoric is perceived as undermining the diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies that have a history of disputes over territorial waters and airspace in the Aegean Sea.

Celik's provocative remarks include a criticism directed at Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who recently asserted Greece's unilateral right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles. This brings to the forefront a long-standing issue between the nations, wherein Turkey has vehemently opposed such moves, seeing them as a threat to its national security. Celik emphasized the need for dialogue and expressed the hope that most issues can be resolved at a negotiation table following the upcoming meeting between Mitsotakis and Erdoğan.

The timing of Celik's statements raises concerns about the potential impact on the discussions between Mitsotakis and Erdoğan. Given the historical context of bilateral tensions, exacerbating issues related to military presence on islands, as well as the declarations made by Greek officials, could lead to further complications. As both nations wrestle with internal and external challenges, including relations with the EU and NATO, the result of this high-stakes meeting could significantly influence future interactions and stability in the region.