ANKARA: Emphasizing continuing provocations by Greece, Ankara on Monday warned Athens against undertaking an adventure on behalf of others.
“As we try to respect our neighborly rights on both sides of the Aegean, Greece still continues its provocations. If you embark on an adventure on behalf of others, you will suffer the consequences today as did in the past. This is a warning to our neighbor Greece,” said Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu at a symposium on the Battle of Sakarya.
The Battle of Sakarya took place on the banks of the Sakarya River, in close proximity to Turkish capital Ankara. The battleground, Polatlı, is only 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Ankara.
After the battle, Atatürk was awarded the rank field marshal of the army by the parliament, as well as the title of Gazi (Veteran) for his efforts and victory on the battlefield.
The Turkish foreign minister called on Greece to not be a “tool” of others, and to end its provocations.
Türkiye, a NATO member for more than 70 years, has complained of repeated provocative actions and rhetoric by Greece in the region in recent months, including arming islands near Turkish shores that are demilitarized under a treaty, saying that such moves frustrate its good faith efforts for peace.
Defining Turkish diplomacy as “entrepreneurial and humanitarian,” Çavuşoğlu said his country protects its rights and interests at all platforms.
Saying that Türkiye is always alert against “evil eyes and malicious plans,” the minister added the country’s security is in “safe hands” via its “heroic army, defense industry and satellites sent into space.”
“We have projects that will contribute to peace and prosperity not only in our region, but also at the global level,” he added.
On its mediator role, Çavuşoğlu said: “Türkiye comes to mind when seeking solutions to crises from the Balkans to the Middle East, from the Caucasus to Central Asia, and from Africa to Latin America.”
The top diplomat reiterated that Türkiye’s efforts under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan led to the export of Ukrainian grain to the world. “… we are continuing with this project that will protect the world from a food crisis,” he said.
Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which were paused after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February.
A Joint Coordination Center with officials from the three countries and the UN has been set up in Istanbul to oversee the shipments.
Since the first vessel sailed under the deal on Aug. 1, more than 100 ships have carried over 2.5 million tons of agricultural products through the grain corridor.
