The aim of the meeting between the two leaders is to demonstrate that despite major differences, the two countries can coexist without tension.
Preparations have begun in Turkey for Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Athens on December 7 and the meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
As Manolis Kostidis reports from Istanbul, the list of those accompanying the Turkish president has not yet been finalized, but it is certain that the mission will be crowded.
During the visit, agreements related to trade and tourism will be signed, however, the agenda of the two leaders also includes Greek-Turkish issues, which will be on the discussion table, something for which the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense are preparing.
The aim is to demonstrate that despite major differences, the two countries can coexist without tension.
Controversy about fighters
Turkish analysts express their concerns about the exclusion of Turkey from the acquisition of the F-35 saying that “when Greece gets the F-35 it will be a problem for the Turkish air force”.
Academician Çağlar Ozer said: “We predict that the US, while not giving F-35s to Turkey, will give 20 F-35s to Greece in 2027 or 2028. This is a situation that changes the balances and the risks against us in the wide area where we live like in the Aegean”.
Journalist Erek Egilmes commented that “During the Cold War, they tried not to upset these balances!”.
“Yes, but now if they don’t give us the F-35, but the US promises to give Greece 20. F-35 in 2028, then the balance is driven to other levels. This can create a problem for us for the Turkish Air Force. Because we saw how the F-35. they are capable fighters,” Ozer continued.
Erdogan’s successive changes in the supply of fighters
Turkish media: Turkish president claims F-35, F-16, EUROFIGHTER, but got nothing
On August 30, 2022, Erdogan said: “They are not giving us the F-35s. Let’s say it clearly.
On January 29, 2023, Erdoğan said: “While we have paid 1.4 billion dollars, you have not given us the return of this.”
On June 29, 2023, he said: “You keep saying that the Congress exists. I also have my own Congress which is the Parliament”.
On October 7, 2023, he said: “If the US does not satisfy us, there are many countries in the world that will satisfy our need.”
On November 17, 2023, he said: “Germany either gives Eurofigher or not. Only Germany produces fighters in the world?”.
Source: Skai
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