Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tassos Hadjivassiliou made statements about Turkey-Greece relations and Kastellorizo (Meis), which has long been at the center of disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Hadjivassiliou said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to the island was of “high symbolic importance” and demonstrated Athens’ determination to defend every part of the country.
“Kastellorizo is the heart of Greece”
Hadjivassiliou also addressed discussions in Turkey from time to time about Kastellorizo’s geographical location.
The Greek official argued that the island could not be regarded as a “remote” area, saying that Kastellorizo was part of Greece’s sovereign territory and that they regarded it as “the heart of Greece.”
He targeted Turkey’s marine parks
The most notable part of the statement from Turkey’s perspective concerned Ankara’s plans for marine parks.
Hadjivassiliou alleged that Turkey was trying to surround Kastellorizo through the marine parks it had recently announced. The Greek deputy minister described Turkey’s moves as “illegal” and argued that Greece’s own initiatives complied with international law.
He also addressed the Turkey-Greece dialogue
Despite his strongly worded statements, Hadjivassiliou also said that the dialogue process recently maintained between Ankara and Athens had produced results.
The Greek official said a structured communication mechanism had been established between the two countries through three separate channels: political dialogue, confidence-building measures and a “positive agenda.” He added that Athens had also strengthened its armed forces during the same period.
Kastellorizo returns to the Eastern Mediterranean agenda
Located close to the Turkish coast, Kastellorizo remains one of the most critical points in the disputes between Ankara and Athens over maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Hadjivassiliou’s statements, following Mitsotakis’ visit to the island and Turkey’s steps concerning marine parks, brought the sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction disputes surrounding Kastellorizo back into focus.
