Because of the F-16, the Turkish president considers the Greek prime minister ‘defunct’

“We have agreed not to let third countries interfere in the dispute between our two countries. However, last week, he (Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis) visited the US, spoke at the US Congress. and warned them not to sell us F-16s,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a press conference after the weekly cabinet meeting on May 23.

“He no longer exists for me. I will never accept to meet him. We will continue our path with respected politicians,” Erdogan said, according to Reuters.

The leader also announced the cancellation of this year’s strategic council meeting with Greece, according to state news agency Anadolu.

Mr. Erdogan and Mr. Mitsotakis met in Istanbul on May 13 afp

After the Turkish president’s remarks, Greek government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said that Prime Minister Mitsotakis defends Greece’s rights as well as international law, and policy Athens’ foreign policy was also based on alliance relationships.

“We will not argue against the Turkish leadership. Our policy is a policy of principles,” said Mr. Oikonomou.

In October 2021, Ankara asked Washington sale of 40 F-16 . fighter jets as well as upgrade equipment for the existing Turkish fleet. Last month, the State Department told Congress that the sale of F-16s to Turkey would serve the national interest of the United States as well as benefit NATO unity.

During a press conference on May 23, President Erdogan said he did not think the US would consider the opinion of the Greek prime minister when deciding on the sale of F-16s to Turkey.

Turkey and Greece, two neighbors that are also NATO members, have been at odds over a range of issues such as maritime borders, the extent of the continental shelf, the airspace and the island of Cyprus. Tensions have increased since 2020 because of Ankara’s plans to explore for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean.

During his visit to the US last week, Mr. Mitsotakis said that Greece will start procedures to buy advanced F-35 fighter jets from the US by 2030. Turkey also looking to return to the F-35 program which they were excluded after Ankara purchased the S-400 missile defense system from Russia.