Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the possibility of his country conducting intelligence talks with Egypt at any time, explaining that the ties between Ankara and Cairo differ from the links between Athens and Cairo.
In response to a question about the existence of contacts with Egypt regarding defining the areas of maritime authority between the two countries, Erdogan said, "There are many different developments here, for example, holding intelligence talks with Egypt is different and possible, and there is nothing to prevent that, but its agreement." With Greece we are sad. "
"There is a big difference between the existing ties between Greece and Egypt and our ties with Egypt, and intelligence talks with Egypt can be held at any time," he said.
With regard to the tense relations with Greece, the Turkish president said that Turkey has no problem meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and continued, "But the fundamental question: What will we discuss? And in what framework will we meet?"
He stressed that Turkey is always ready for negotiations in good faith, whether with the participation of a third party or through video interviews.
show of strength
Erdogan indicated that the withdrawal of the exploration vessel "Aruj Reis" to the port of Antalya is "a significant step", revealing that the ship will return to work in the eastern Mediterranean after the end of maintenance work.
"Let us give diplomacy another chance, put forward a positive approach, and let Greece meet our approach in a positive direction, so we can take steps accordingly," he added.
Erdogan indicated that many heads of state and government have become mediators to continue negotiations with Greece, especially German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council President Charles Michel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Italian Giuseppe Conte.
The Turkish president pointed out that if Greece tries to make its actions on the island of Mays a fait accompli, the meeting with the Greek Prime Minister will not make any sense.
Erdogan touched on the recent visit of Greek President Ekaterini Saklaropoulou to the island of Mies, noting that "if the aim of this is to show strength, Turkey is able to do a bigger show."