Türkiye expects the European Union to call on Greece for dialogue on a bilateral basis instead of supporting illegal initiatives, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday, Ednews reports citing Anadolu Agency. 

"I expect the EU to call on our interlocutors for dialogue on a bilateral basis instead of supporting illegal initiatives masquerading as unity or solidarity," Erdogan said at a news conference in the Czech Republic.

Erdogan is in the capital Prague at the invitation of European Council President Charles Michel and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to attend the first meeting of the European Political Community.

The president said he held "intensive and productive" talks at the summit, where Türkiye conveyed its views, contributions and assessments on the challenges Europe is currently faced with in terms of peace and security, energy, climate and the economic situation.

He added that Türkiye is "irreplaceable" in overcoming the EU's challenges and redefining its international role.

"Our fundamental and primary expectation is that the European Political Community will strengthen our relations with the (European) union and contribute to our membership process," Erdogan said.

Many countries at the summit expected a step from Türkiye to develop ties with Greece, Erdogan said, adding there was "nothing to talk about with Greece now."

"Not only Greece, but no matter which country is attacking us, our answer will always be: 'We may come suddenly one night.' They should know that," he said.

Stressing that Ankara does not seek to acquire the territory or sovereignty of any country, Erdogan said Türkiye was only fighting to protect its interests and those of Turkish Cypriots.

On Cyprus, he underlined that the "only key" to a solution on the East Mediterranean island was the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot people's sovereign equality and equal international status with the Greek Cypriot administration.

"For a permanent solution, the facts on the Island must be accepted," he added.