Harsh Reaction from Ankara After Mitsotakis Visit to Meis

Ankara has reacted harshly to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to the island of Meis (Kastellorizo), the Greek island closest to the Turkish coast. The spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, Commander Aktürk, criticized the visit after the Greek premier also inspected military positions on the island.

The visit coincided with the 83rd anniversary of the island’s liberation. Mitsotakis described Kastellorizo as “not just another island,” but the country’s easternmost point, where Greece’s borders coincide with Europe’s, stressing that Athens seeks peace while rejecting revisionist ambitions, remaining open to mutual respect and international legality.

During the visit, the prime minister announced a package of permanent economic and social incentives to strengthen the island: 5,000 euros per year for public-service staff, security forces and armed-forces personnel; 5,000 euros per year for every family that settles there (non-taxable and protected from seizure), plus an additional 1,000 euros per minor — provided they stay at least one full year. Starting in early 2027, a subsidized Piraeus–Rhodes–Kastellorizo ferry line will run every Wednesday.

Turkish media described the visit as “excessively provocative,” reviving Ankara’s demands for the demilitarization of the nearby islands of Ro and Strongyli, which Mitsotakis also visited. Athens rejects these demands and defends its sovereign rights — another episode of tension after recent days’ clashes between the two countries.

Source: EIN Presswire / Greek City Times