Turkish Foreign Minister Hulusi Akar stated on Wednesday that his country would like to resolve the current tensions with Greece involving Mediterranean oil and gas exploration rights through dialogue.
However, he added that his country would still defend its “rights and interests” in the region, according to Greek media sources.
This week has seen tensions in the area ramp up swiftly after Turkey sent its oil and gas exploration vessel the Oruc Reis to an area in the Mediterranean between the Greek island of Crete and Cyprus on Monday.
Greece contends that the area is completely within its EEZ, as it is atop its continental shelf. The Oruc Reis was escorted by five ships belonging to the Turkish Navy as it made its way to the area.
Akar told interviewers from Reuters today “Despite 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.”
He then added “We want to reach political solutions through peaceful means in line with international laws.” The Turkish FM further stated his country’s position that it would defend its “rights, ties and interests” in the Mediterranean.
“It should be known that our seas are our blue homeland. Every drop is valuable,” he declared.
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