Greece has firmly rejected comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, reiterating that the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) remains the sole unresolved dispute between the two nations.
Diplomatic sources at the Greek Foreign Ministry dismissed Ankara’s calls to address a broader range of "differences" as "universally unacceptable."
"Greece remains committed to the principles of international law and wishes to continue structured dialogue," the sources stated.
They clarified that the status of the Muslim minority in Thrace is defined strictly by the Treaty of Lausanne and is not open for reinterpretation as a "Turkish" minority.
The rebuttal followed Mr. Fidan’s address to the Turkish Parliament regarding his ministry's 2026 budget.
While expressing a desire for a "positive agenda," Mr. Fidan asserted that Turkey would take "decisive steps" to protect its interests in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
He advocated for a holistic discussion of all bilateral issues based on "fair sharing."
Mr. Fidan also reiterated hardline demands regarding Cyprus, calling the island vital to Turkey’s strategic outlook and urging the lifting of international isolation on the occupied north.
The diplomatic exchange highlights the fragility of the recent thaw between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
While both leaders have pledged to maintain open communication channels, deep divisions remain regarding maritime sovereignty and minority rights.