"Greece has a foreign policy of principles, which means that we operate in accordance with international law and international law of the sea," said Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias speaking at the Economist conference.
Dendias noted that most countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region share Greece's principles and understanding to follow International Law and the Law of the Sea.
"Unfortunately, there is a minority of one country, Turkey, which for its own reasons does not share these principles," he said.
Asked about the current situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Foreign Minister said that tensions this year are not at the same level as last year.
On commenting on July 20, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will celebrate the 1974 invasion of Cyprus and the occupation of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus, Dendias said: "We will see what happens."
In addition, he noted that "although we are facing fewer tensions, I am sorry to say that I have not seen tangible evidence of a change in both Turkey's behaviour and its beliefs."
He then reiterated the message that the 19th century approach of guns and spheres of influence have no role to play in the 21st century.
At the same time, the foreign minister noted that Greece does not see Turkey as something that cannot belong to this modern architecture.
"I'm sure there are elements in Turkish society that look forward to such an approach, and we need to encourage those elements," he said.
"Elements that believe in democracy, in Western values, that move towards the 21st century instead of the policy of the gunners of the 19th century", Dendias added.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister referred to the Greek merchant shipping, emphasising that it is the largest power in the world.
"The Greek-owned fleet is the largest in the world", he pointed out and noted that Greece has very big interests in free navigation.
He went on to emphasise the importance of a foreign policy based on international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and not just cartels.
In light of this, he said he was extremely happy when about three weeks ago U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken openly encouraged all countries to co-sign UNCLOS.
Although the U.S. has not signed UNCLOS, he did confirm that his country supports its principles.
Finally, answering what he expects from the Biden government, the Foreign Minister stressed: "We want a more American presence in the region."
Dendias pointed out that the U.S. is the only country in the world that can explain to Turkey that human rights and the rule of law are one way and that it will benefit everyone.
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