Erdogan Clarifies His Statement 'We Could Suddenly Come One Night'

In an interview with Kathimerini, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed Turkish-Greek relations. Erdogan emphasized his vision of opening a 'new page' in bilateral relations, based on the principle of 'mutual gain.'

"My friend Kyriakos, we will not threaten you if you do not threaten us," Erdogan said, addressing Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“No challenge is insurmountable based on dialogue and mutual goodwill,” he added. At the same time, Erdogan explained his mysterious statement, 'we could suddenly come one night,' noting that it pertains to “terrorist elements threatening Turkey's security.”

“Greece is our neighbor, and we will continue to remain neighbors. We share the same geography and the same sea. We breathe the same air. We are interconnected by our past. There are unresolved issues between us; both our countries recognize this reality. However, it is up to us to decide whether we will allow these issues to create tension and disagreements between our governments and our peoples. It is in this context that I spoke of a 'new page' in our relations and the principle of 'mutual gain.' This principle characterizes Turkey's approach to international relations and diplomacy. By smoothly resolving disagreements through dialogue and finding common ground, we can all benefit,” Erdogan said. “We have never perceived Greece as an enemy or a competitor. Like any nation, we seek friends, not enemies. I frequently emphasize our belief that any issue related to our neighbors, particularly Greece, can be overcome. Greece seems to understand that we are a people capable of extending a hand of friendship,” Erdogan added.