Turkish defense minister reaffirms stance on Cyprus and Aegean relations

On October 27, 2026, Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler addressed military and diplomatic policies during a flag-presentation ceremony for the 2nd Amphibious Marine Brigade in Iskenderun. Accompanied by Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu and Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Guler emphasized that Turkey will continue to take all necessary military and political measures to ensure the security of Turkish Cypriots, invoking the 1960 Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance.

Guler reiterated Ankara's hardline stance regarding the Cyprus issue, stating that after fifty years of negotiations, sovereign equality and equal international status for Turkish Cypriots are non-negotiable. He argued that these terms represent the reality on the ground. Regarding Greece, Guler expressed a desire to keep communication channels open and resolve disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean based on good neighborly relations, provided that Turkey’s interests and rights remain protected. The minister emphasized that while Turkey seeks diplomatic solutions, it will not concede on its core strategic positions in the region.