Turkey’s foreign minister warned on Thursday that tensions with Greece could escalate into a crisis with “geostrategic costs” for Athens if Greek politicians continue what he described as “cheap politics” targeting Ankara.

In an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber, Hakan Fidan accused Greek officials, and particularly Defense Minister (and former foreign minister) Nikos Dendias, of fueling anti-Turkish sentiment for domestic political gain. He likened Athens’ approach to “Pavlov’s dog,” suggesting that references to Turkey were used as a reflexive tool in Greek politics.

“They should stop this anti-Turkish sentiment. This fear does not benefit them. It leads them to panic,” Fidan said. “When there is a problem, there is always a statement from Dendias, showing the people a constant Turkish threat … This is cheap politics, but it should not open the door to crises that can create geostrategic costs for their own state.”

Fidan said Ankara was willing to confront Greece politically when necessary but urged Athens to reach the “maturity and self-confidence” to discuss disputes more openly. “We do not hesitate to engage in confrontation with them, we do not hesitate to respond,” he said.

Fidan also noted improving ties between Turkey and eastern Libya, including with military commander Khalifa Haftar, saying he could soon travel there if “a few additional steps” were taken. Turkish media have reported that Ankara is awaiting the ratification of a 2019 maritime boundary deal by Libya’s eastern-based parliament.

Source: Ekathimerini.com