German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Turkey's position questioning Greece's sovereignty over its islands in the Aegean Sea, Kathimerini reported.

“It is not acceptable for a NATO ally to question another one’s sovereignty,” he said during a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after their meeting in Athens, without naming Turkey.

According to Scholz, the disagreement between Greece and Turkey can be resolved through dialogue and on the basis of international law.

Greece and Turkey “can be resolved through dialogue and based on international law,” he said adding that “good neighborly relations are of importance not only for the two countries but for Europe and the transatlantic alliance as a whole.”

Mitsotakis criticized Turkey's aggressive rhetoric, saying that the ongoing war in Ukraine leaves no room for increased tension in Europe.

“There is no room for other, unnecessary sources of tension. Greek islands do not threaten anyone,” he said, adding that “our neighbors will hopefully choose the path of de-escalation.”