Fidan accuses Cyprus, Greece and Israel of security alignment against Turkey

Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Cyprus, Greece and Israel of forming a security alliance intended to contain Turkey, while defending Ankara’s emerging defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Speaking on Friday at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati, Fidan contrasted the Turkish, Saudi and Pakistani cooperation with what he described as an existing alignment between Athens, Nicosia and Jerusalem.

Fidan’s remarks

“Before we signed our own alliance, Israel, the Greek Cypriot administration and Greece came together and created a security alliance in the Mediterranean,” Fidan said.

He said the purpose of the three-way cooperation was clear, referring to the geographical positioning of Turkey and Egypt on either side of the Levant.

“The goal of this alliance is clear,” he said.

Turkey’s regional cooperation

Fidan was referring to the new defence cooperation between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which Ankara has presented as a regional arrangement rather than a pact directed against another country.

He said the initiative was intended to increase cooperation, enable countries in the region to assume greater responsibility for their own security and strengthen deterrence.

Fidan said Egypt was being consulted over possible participation, describing it as a “natural partner” for Turkey.

Cyprus, Greece and Israel cooperation

The remarks came as cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel has expanded beyond established political and energy ties.

In June, the three countries and the United States launched the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Centre in Houston, with plans for cooperation on energy security, offshore gas, infrastructure, research and the protection of critical infrastructure.