Mitsotakis: I will visit Ankara in May - Ensure that US weapons are not turned against NATO forces

"We must preserve the good climate with Turkey that has been built in recent months," the prime minister stressed after saying he will visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the coming months.

"My intention is to visit Ankara next May as a reciprocation for Tayyip Erdoğan's visit," announced Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in an interview on SKAI radio, stressing that "we must preserve the good climate with Turkey that has been built in last months."

"Greece-Turkish relations are on a path of normalisation," he emphasised, while pointing out that "the demarcation of maritime zones is the only difference with Turkey."

On the F-35

Regarding the F-35, the prime minister said, among other things, that the letter from the American Secretary of State is the best "proof of the depth and independence of Greek-American relations".

"It was a long negotiation and proof of how the US sees the role of Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean," he pointed out and emphasised that 4 LCS frigate ships will fully cover the needs of the Navy.

"Greece's goal is to maintain a regular qualitative deterrent advantage, and we have secured it in aviation. The firm position is that we cannot force the US to sell or not sell weapons to Greece, but to ensure that US weapons are not turned against NATO forces," he continued.

When asked about the cost of the F-35, Mr. Mitsotakis explained that "the Ministry has not yet determined the first phase. We can buy up to 40; we will not do it all at once because it is an expensive supply. We have secured fiscal space for a squadron with a delivery time of the end of this decade."

On the farmers' mobilisations

Regarding the farmers' mobilisations, Mr. Mitsotakis said, "I have been concerned about the issue, and we will have to do many more things for Thessaly."

"The farmers have already received the first aid package, so I asked the ministry to increase the amount from 5,000 to 10,000. Aid and assistance are for equipment damage. We will give another aid of five to ten thousand," the prime minister continued.

"Our government, from 2019 until now, has done a lot to support farmers. We reduced the VAT on animal feed. Another issue that I attach great importance to is the price of milk. Let's not be victims of traders who sell imports to Greece. We are on top of the problem and are doing continuous checks," he pointed out.

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