Defense Minister Nikos Dendias sent a strong message to Turkey on Wednesday, emphasizing that Alliance exercises are planned with full respect for the sovereign rights of all nations.
“NATO is always an alliance of values, and all NATO exercises are designed with absolute respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all member countries,” Dendias said. “There is no other way, no alternative approach, and none will be tolerated.”
The remarks came as Dendias arrived for the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine’s Defense in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday.
He noted that the session would be chaired by British Defense Secretary John Healey, rather than his American counterpart.
Dendias also pointed to the presence of the new US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, at the NATO Defense Ministers’ Council.
“It will be very interesting to hear his positions,” Dendias said, adding, “It is of great importance to understand the stance of the new US administration on the issue of Ukraine.”
The NATO meetings in Brussels come amid heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where disputes over maritime boundaries and natural resources have put Greece and Turkey at odds.
Athens has repeatedly criticized what it sees as Ankara’s disregard for international law and the sovereign rights of its neighbors.
The Greek government has often expressed frustration over Turkish actions in the region, accusing Ankara of provocative behavior that undermines regional stability.
The two-day meeting in Brussels is expected to address issues related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader security challenges facing the Alliance.