Developments are intensifying in the defense and diplomatic field from the Greek side, just days before Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ trip to New York and the UN, where, as he confirmed yesterday, he is very likely to meet Tayyip Erdogan. Following approval by KYSEA, the Ministry of National Defense submitted a bill to Parliament last night titled “Approval of defense sector contract plans for the modification of contracts 016B/21 and 017B/21 for the procurement of ‘FDI HN’ type frigates and their subsequent support,” which approves the contract plan for the procurement of three Belharra frigates of the “FDI HN” type, with an option to purchase an additional frigate.
“I want to explain that ‘Themistocles’ is not just a fourth frigate,” said Nikos Dendias as he left the KYSEA meeting. “The basic frigate type, as agreed in 2020, was Belharra Standard 2. ‘Themistocles’ is Belharra Standard 2++. It has 1 + 10 enhanced capabilities. One is ballistic missiles, the new type from the ELSA Program, which is in the development stage. Also, within the same framework, the previous three frigates will reach the Standard 2++ level.”
The other particularly significant development concerns the initiation of the process for delimiting the Exclusive Economic Zone between Greece and Libya – at the same time that Turkey and personally Erdogan is struggling for ratification of the illegal Turkish-Libyan memorandum. Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis met with the acting Foreign Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity, Taher Salem Al Baour, agreed to start the EEZ process, and the first meeting of technical committees took place with the next meeting agreed to be held in Tripoli. The two foreign ministers also discussed migration, as Greece maintains constant pressure on Libya to take initiatives and action to prevent boats from departing from its shores.
Mitsotakis: Chevron’s presence in Greek waters is a very important energy and geopolitical development
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in his first television appearance after the Thessaloniki International Fair, was calm and reassuring both about migration and Greek-Turkish relations. For the government, moreover, the priority is highlighting the fact that extraction of “Greek” natural gas is one step closer to realization, although the road ahead remains long and complex. Even before the surveys, however, Maximos Mansion attributes geopolitical and strategic characteristics to the presence of American giant Chevron in Greek waters.
“The fact that a major American… the second largest oil and natural gas extraction energy company, comes south of Crete, demonstrates practical interest and essentially certifies in practice that we exercise sovereign rights in these sea plots that we have proclaimed, I think this is a very significant development, not only energy-wise, but also geopolitically,” Mr. Mitsotakis stated in his interview on ANT1.
Regarding increased migration flows, which have caused concern and anxiety, the prime minister pointed to the so-called big picture: “We are 30% lower compared to where we were last year,” he said, referring to this year’s total flows. He noted that cooperation with Turkey has yielded results in reducing migration flows (in the Eastern Aegean) and revealed that in the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework from 2027 onwards, there is a significant increase for border protection and migration, as a result of the Greek government’s initiative.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis also appeared reassuring regarding the “Piri Reis.” First, he implied that ultimately the Turkish oceanographic vessel may not carry out its scheduled mission. “Did you see the ‘Piri Reis’ sailing out?”, he wondered during the interview. Second, he denied that the Armed Forces exercise in the Aegean is some kind of response to Ankara. “The exercises we conduct are all scheduled exercises. We always do them at this time, between September 15 and 30.” The Minister of National Defense moved along the same lines earlier. “I think too much noise is being made. The Armed Forces exercise is part of the cycle of surprise exercises that take place every year. They have no relation to ‘Piri Reis’ and ‘Piri Reis’ did not concern KYSEA,” Nikos Dendias stated.
Mitsotakis’ goal before the anticipated meeting with Erdogan
In view of the anticipated meeting he will have next Tuesday in New York with Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, it is evident that the prime minister wants to keep tones low and not escalate his rhetoric. It is also his will both to leave no room for political reaction or exploitation on so-called national issues from parties to the right of New Democracy (Greek Solution, Victory, Voice of Reason) and not to leave “space” for a possible new party under Antonis Samaras’ leadership, which if it proceeds will “build” on this agenda.
