NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged Greece and Turkey on Tuesday to resolve their differences in the Aegean Sea, where the two are at odds over islands and airspace.
 
"Diverse views and debate are an essential part of our democracies," the head of the transatlantic military alliance told Greek news agency ANA. 
 
But, he said, "we urge Greece and Turkiye to solve their differences in the Aegean in a spirit of trust and Allied solidarity". 
 
"That means restraint and moderation, and refraining from any actions or rhetoric that could escalate the situation". 
 
Stoltenberg's remarks came two weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the end of regular high-level meetings between Turkish and Greek leaders aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation.
 
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis responded by saying he would not engage in a game of "ping-pong" of personal insults with Erdogan.

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For years, the two uneasy NATO neighbors have fought over maritime borders and energy exploration rights in disputed parts of the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. Athens also accuses Ankara of overflying the Greek islands. 
 
Turkey, for its part, claims that Greece is stationing troops on Aegean islands in violation of peace treaties signed after World Wars I and II.

Earlier, Turkey stated it would not give up its rights in the Aegean Sea and will not be afraid to use the powers granted to it by international treaties, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared while attending the Efes-2022 military exercise held on the Aegean beaches.

"I warn Greece to avoid dreams, acts, and statements that will result in regret. Come to your senses," he said in a televised speech as he observed the Turkish military exercises on the coast of western Izmir province.

"Turkey will not renounce its rights in the Aegean and will not back down from using rights that are established by international agreements when it comes to arming islands."