Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akara said on Monday that it was out of the question for Türkiye to abandon its rights and interests in Cyprus, the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

He also said that efforts were underway for the international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Carrying out inspections on Türkiye’s national submarine Piri Reis, the Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that Ankara was determined to protect its rights and interests in Cyprus, the Aegean and the Mediterranean at all costs.

He said that it was out of the question for Türkiye to abandon the region.

“We have not allowed our rights to be violated nor will we allow such attempts,” Akar said.

Pointing out that Greece was preparing to extend its terrirital waters in Crete from 6 to 12 miles, the Turkish Defence Minister said that this was out of the question.

“We as Türkiye have not threatened anyone, least not Greece. Türkiye is a strong, reliable and effective ally. A strong Türkiye, a strong Turkish Armed Forces and a strong NATO mean a strong alliance. We want everyone to know this,” he said.

Akar also reminded that Türkiye was one of three guarantor powers in Cyprus.

“The issue which concerns the TRNC is its recognition. We are continuing our efforts in this direction. We are telling Greece to refrain from actions that will have great consequences for them, to derive lessons from history. To come to its senses before it’s too late. Any mistakes will rebound,” he said