Greek frigate Kimon arrives at Souda Bay amid regional tensions

The Greek frigate Kimon has arrived at the Souda naval base in Crete, marked by a ceremonial water salute. This arrival occurs amid renewed tensions with Turkey regarding Greek defense capabilities and sovereignty.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has responded to Turkish President Erdoğan’s repeated calls for the demilitarization of Greek islands, stating that Turkey’s pursuit of improved relations with the European Union must occur alongside establishing good neighborly relations with Greece. Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece will not accept instructions regarding its national defense or tolerate threats to its sovereignty.

On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis noted that channels with Turkey must remain open and that all pending issues should be discussed strictly based on international law. He also referenced a recent visit to Athens by Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın. Greece is further strengthening regional ties through communications with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with Mitsotakis scheduled to visit Egypt for an informal trilateral meeting involving Cyprus.