He “blocked” the trip of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan next May. According to what was reported by SKAI correspondent in Istanbul, Manolis Kostidis, preparations have already begun for the topics to be discussed by the two leaders.

During the regular Political Dialogue meeting in Ankara held yesterday, Monday, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Ambassador Burak Akçapar discussed, among other things, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Mitsotakis to Turkey in May taking stock of the progress made so far. They also discussed the issue of Navtex, with the Greek side expressing its dissatisfaction mainly with their content. Also, both sides agreed that it would be good to avoid statements by officials that could cause a problem in the good atmosphere of the two countries.

However, according to Manolis Kostidis, both sides did not enter the “deep waters” such as the issue of the continental shelf.

Meeting of the three close associates of Erdogan in Ankara

At the same time, the three associates of the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the Director of the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey, Ibrahim Kalin and the Minister of National Defense, Yasar Güler, had a meeting yesterday at the same time. It is a meeting that caused a particular impression, especially its publicity and according to the correspondent of SKAI, this meeting shows that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and secret services are in sync.

The three officials talked about US contacts, the F-16 and possible new military operations.

Specifically, the HaberTurk television network reported on this meeting: “A meeting was held at the Ministry of Defense regarding the security of the country. Defense Minister Yasar Guler, MIT Commander Ibrahim Kalin and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined the steps to be taken to fight terrorism. The meeting lasted two hours and Guler welcomed Fidan and Kalin at the door. The meeting was closed to the press. President Erdoğan has stated that “this summer we will finish dealing with terrorism in northern Iraq”, while Güler has emphasized that we will move to another phase in dealing with terrorism. Issues of developments in northern Iraq were also raised at the meeting. In addition, the contacts made by Foreign Minister Fidan and Ibrahim Kalin in the USA were also discussed as they met with their American counterparts and many officials”

Turkey increases share in arms exports

At the same time, research by the Stockholm Institute shows that Turkey occupies an important position as an arms exporting country. It is in the 11th place of the largest exporters and according to the research within 5 years increased the export of weapons systems by 106%.

As reported by the television network TGRT “According to the report, Turkey is one of the countries with the largest increase in the export of weapons systems. Turkey is the 11th country in the ranking of arms exporters.

“The countries Turkey sells the most weapons to are the United Arab Emirates with a 15% share, Qatar with 13% and Pakistan with an 11% share. Turkey also has arms sales in sub-Saharan countries with a share of 6.3% and is in 4th place there. These sales relate to sales of offensive weapons in Nigeria, and sales of training and unmanned aerial vehicles to countries in the region. The report states that Turkey ranks 17th in arms imports and that imports of weapons systems have decreased by 29%.

Erdogan: We are strengthening the defense industry to be independent literally

At the same time, the Turkish president pointed out that Turkey is strengthening its defense industry in order to be independent.

Specifically, Erdogan stated: “With the investments we make in our defense industry, we have made Turkey a literally independent country. You see what is happening in our area. when you are not a strong state with politics, economy, defense industry and social cohesion then you are considered worthy of all kinds of oppression. The protection of territories and borders can only be done by strengthening the country”