Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue were mentioned by the Minister of Defense of Turkey, Yasar Güler, speaking today, Wednesday, at the Plenary of the Turkish National Assembly, where the Budget of his ministry for 2024 is being discussed.

The Turkish Defense Minister said that we are experiencing a positive period in Turkey’s relations with Greece as a result of the visits and meetings that took place after the great disaster caused by the earthquakes in his country. “We continue our efforts to maintain this positive atmosphere with Greece through talks and meetings at the highest level,” he said, stressing that “our goal is to resolve our problems in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with International Law, relations of good neighborliness and in the spirit of the Alliance”.

He emphasized, however, that “we are not going to jeopardize our national rights and interests in any way while we try to find a peaceful solution.”

“We welcome with satisfaction,” said Yasar Guler, “the fact that the constructive attitude we demonstrated during the meetings we held with our interlocutors in the context of our president’s visit to Athens on December 7 found a response.”

“In the context of the “Athens Declaration” signed between the two countries, we aim to continue the process of good neighborly relations, dialogue and a positive agenda,” he added.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, the Turkish Defense Minister insisted on the two-state solution and spoke of recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots.

“Regarding the issue of Cyprus, as has begun to be openly expressed by international public opinion, the only and definitive solution is to act on the assumption that there are now two separate states and two separate peoples on the island. For us, it is a priority to resolve the Cyprus issue as soon as possible, in a way that guarantees the legitimate interests and security of the “Turkish Cypriot people”. In this context, the recognition of the sovereign equality and the equal international status of the “Turkish Cypriot people” is out of the question” said Yasar Guler.

“We call on our interlocutors,” he continued, “to put aside the outdated status quo and provocative debates and approach the issue logically and in a way that makes sense, according to historical and present reality. In this issue, which is our national issue, we will continue to support the legitimate interests of our Cypriot brothers under any circumstances.”