Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a strong response to remarks linked to French President Emmanuel Macron, who had expressed support for Greece in the context of ongoing tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and broader regional disputes.
In his response, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticised France’s foreign policy approach, suggesting that Paris was acting beyond its regional influence and aligning closely with the United States on security matters. He reportedly urged France to adopt a more independent stance in addressing disputes involving Turkey, rather than relying on external support.
The Turkish statement, delivered in strong diplomatic language, emphasised that Ankara rejects any external pressure on its regional policies. It further indicated that Turkey expects all European partners, including France, to engage directly and constructively in resolving disagreements rather than escalating rhetoric through allied platforms.
The exchange reflects long-standing tensions between Turkey and France over issues including maritime boundaries, defence cooperation, and differing positions on conflicts in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Relations between the two NATO member states have experienced periodic strain, particularly in relation to security policy and regional alliances.
French officials have not issued a direct public response to the latest remarks attributed to the Turkish foreign minister. However, France has previously defended its positions in the region as aligned with international law and European security interests, particularly in relation to Greece and Cyprus.
Analysts note that such exchanges are part of a broader pattern of diplomatic friction between Ankara and Paris, which has occasionally escalated into public verbal disputes despite shared membership in international alliances such as NATO. These tensions often reflect deeper strategic differences over energy exploration rights, military cooperation, and influence in Mediterranean geopolitics.
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