Turkish Sources on NAVTEX: ‘No Desire for Aegean Tension, Seeking Calm’

‘We do not want tension in the Aegean; NAVTEX is a technical issue,’ say Turkish diplomatic sources. They stress that Ankara’s position on the region remains unchanged from the past. Regarding ‘the demilitarization of islands and whether Greece can issue NAVTEX or conduct activities in areas Turkey claims as its continental shelf,’ they note that ‘hundreds of NAVTEX notices have been issued in the past.’ According to SKAI, Turkey labels the new indefinite NAVTEX announcements for the Aegean as a ‘technical issue’ and adds, ‘We wish to maintain calm in the Aegean; we do not want tension.’ Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, commenting on Friday (30.01.2026) on Turkey’s moves, stated, ‘Greece cannot treat such an approach seriously.’ Meanwhile, Turkish sources express interest in Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ upcoming visit to Ankara under the High-Level Cooperation Council, with potential dates set for Wednesday, February 11 and Friday, February 13.