The fundamental source of tension between Türkiye and Greece in the Aegean is the Greek attempts to change the status quo established by the Lausanne Peace Treaty of 1923 and the Greek efforts to present the entire Aegean as a Greek sea.

The Turkish perception regarding the Aegean is quite different. Türkiye believes that the Turkish-Greek relationship in the Aegean has to be based on the following principles:

a. The Aegean is a common sea between Türkiye and Greece.

b. Both countries should respect each others legitimate rights and vital interests.

c. These freedoms at the high seas and the air space above it, which at present both coastal states as well as third countries enjoy, should not be impaired.

d. Any acquisition of new maritime areas should be based on mutual consent and should be fair and equitable.