Washington D.C. – In a notable shift in rhetoric, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has publicly acknowledged Turkey’s recent successes in foreign policy and security, particularly in Africa. Speaking at an event in the U.S. Capital, Dendias stated that Turkey has been “extremely successful” in recent years, a sentiment that marks a departure from traditionally critical Greek assessments of its neighbor’s regional ambitions.
Dendias’s comments, reported by Turkish media on , focused on Turkey’s expanding influence in Libya and across Sub-Saharan Africa. He specifically highlighted Turkey’s military presence in western Libya and a recent agreement reached with authorities in eastern Libya. “Turkey’s recent successes include Libya,” Dendias said, adding that Ankara maintains a presence in Sub-Saharan Africa as well.
The Greek Defense Minister’s assessment comes amid a period of relative calm in Greek-Turkish relations, following years of tension over maritime boundaries, energy exploration, and geopolitical influence. In April 2023, Dendias expressed hope that this calm would continue, allowing for a “serious” dialogue after the Turkish elections, according to previous statements reported in .
Dendias recounted personal observations during his time as Foreign Minister, stating he consistently witnessed a clear Turkish presence throughout Africa. “Wherever I went in Africa, I clearly saw the Turkish presence,” he said, adding that he encountered President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on two separate occasions while traveling in the region. This direct observation underscores the extent of Turkey’s growing footprint on the continent.
The acknowledgment of Turkish success is particularly striking given the historical context of strained relations between Athens, and Ankara. Dendias’s statement suggests a potential reassessment within the Greek government regarding Turkey’s evolving role in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
While acknowledging Turkey’s achievements, Dendias also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with Israel, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and counter-drone technology, as announced on . He framed this collaboration as a response to shared challenges, but insisted it was not intended to exclude Turkey. Dendias stated that Turkey could participate in this cooperation if it adhered to international law, specifically referencing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Dendias stressed the need to maintain open communication channels with Ankara, stating that the Greek government and his personal view is to continue discussions with the neighboring country. “Because communication channels need to remain open,” he said. This suggests a willingness to engage in dialogue despite ongoing disagreements.
The Greek Defense Minister also touched upon defense strategy, stating that Greece is pursuing a defensive posture, described as “Achilles Shield,” which he characterized as more comprehensive than Israel’s Iron Dome system. He revealed plans for a domestic production component, with 50% of the manufacturing taking place within Greece, acknowledging that the country is “late” in developing its own defense industry. This initiative signals a commitment to strengthening Greece’s independent defense capabilities.
Dendias’s comments arrive as Europe grapples with complex security challenges, including migration flows and geopolitical instability. In November 2023, Greek Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis welcomed what he described as a “u-turn” in Turkish migration policy, noting a significant reduction in the number of undocumented migrants attempting to cross into Europe. Turkish authorities reported arresting 140,000 undocumented individuals attempting to cross into Europe in the same period, with 40,000 deported to their countries of origin and 5,000 smugglers arrested. This shift in Turkish policy was seen as beneficial to Turkey, Greece, and the European Union.
The acknowledgement of Turkey’s success by a senior Greek official, coupled with the ongoing dialogue regarding migration and defense cooperation, suggests a potential recalibration of relations between Athens and Ankara. However, the underlying tensions and disagreements remain, and the future trajectory of this relationship will likely depend on continued diplomatic engagement and adherence to international norms.
In January 2026, Nikos Dendias argued that it would be impossible to “defend Europe if the enemy is within its walls,” a statement that, while not directly linked to Turkey in this report, underscores the broader security concerns facing the continent and the importance of stable relationships with regional actors.
