"We are effectively protecting our rights in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said provocatively, defending the Turkish government's work and spending on the defence industry and armaments.
"The results of this work carried out in the direction of our national values and interests, with determination, faith and high morale, are distinguished in successful military operations conducted within the country and across borders, as well as in the protection of our rights and interests in the Aegean, the Mediterranean and Cyprus," said Akar, during his speech.
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He also pointed out the importance of the defence industry for Turkey's plans in the wider region and responded to criticism from the opposition.
Akar is often making inflammatory comments towards Greece and Cyprus.
Late last year, it is recalled that the Turkish Defence Minister referred to the Greek-French alliance with provocative statements, saying that it was going to cause cracks in NATO.
Specifically, the Turkish minister in an interview with Hurriyet reported that bilateral alliances of Greece would damage the Euro-Atlantic alliance.
Provocatively he emphasised that it is not reasonable “not to look at your height and your strength.”
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“In the Mediterranean, some countries do not look at their boy and their power and try to take on some roles,” he said.
Ignoring Turkey’s provocative behavior in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean, Akar tried to present his country as a “guarantee of peace and stability in the region” and launched an attack on France.
As he said, Paris is trying to ally with Athens in the energy sector, but it also supplies it with weapons, causing damage to both NATO and Greece.
READ MORE: Greece will not retreat: Greek President and Prime Minister response to Turkish threats.