https://arab.news/m8cek
- Turkey and Greece, NATO allies, are vehemently at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region
- Tensions have risen since Ankara launched exploration operations in a disputed area of the Mediterranean on Monday
ANKARA: Turkey wants to resolve a dispute with Greece over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean through dialogue, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday, but added that Ankara would defend its 鈥渞ights and interests鈥� in the region.
Turkey and Greece, NATO allies, are vehemently at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region, and tensions have risen since Ankara launched exploration operations in a disputed area of the Mediterranean on Monday.
Greece says Turkey鈥檚 exploration vessel Oruc Reis is operating illegally in waters which fall in Greece鈥檚 continental shelf, accusations which Ankara has dismissed. The vessel was accompanied by Turkish warships when it left port.
鈥淒espite all this, we want to believe that common sense will prevail. Both on the field and at the table, we side with international law, good neighborliness and dialogue,鈥� Akar told Reuters. 鈥淲e want to reach political solutions through peaceful means in line with international laws.鈥�
Akar said Turkey would continue to defend its 鈥渞ights, ties and interests鈥� in coastal waters. 鈥淚t should be known that our seas are our blue homeland. Every drop is valuable,鈥� he said.