Dialogos

Fidan: Turkey Closely Monitoring Military and Energy Cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean

Published January 15, 2026, 14:03
Fidan: Turkey Closely Monitoring Military and Energy Cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey is closely monitoring any military or energy cooperation concerning the region that Ankara perceives as an attempt at “encirclement.” He commented on developments in the area, including the cooperation between Greece, Israel and Cyprus, noting that they currently have no immediate impact, but their dynamics are not going unnoticed. Mr. Fidan mentioned that warnings have already been issued to relevant interlocutors, emphasizing that such moves serve no one's interests and may lead to further regional fragmentation. He expressed his belief that there is a “historic opportunity” to resolve the problems in the Aegean, with a permanent and definitive solution being feasible. Referring to the Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting, Mr. Fidan said the issue was discussed in Paris and that both sides want it to take place before Ramadan, considering two to three possible dates. He stressed the need for intention and political will to resolve Greek-Turkish issues, with emphasis on the Aegean, territorial waters and the continental shelf. Finally, Mr. Fidan proposed the implementation of confidence-building measures and the strengthening of contact between the two peoples, while noting that in Greek domestic politics, Turkey is often presented as a threat, which affects the negotiations.