Noting that Athens continues to escalate tensions and provocations, Turkish Defense Minister Khalussi Akar denounced the statements of his Greek counterpart, Nikos Panayotopoulos, accusing Ankara of threatening the stability of the region.

According to a statement issued by the Turkish defence, "Akar invited his Greek counterpart to think and speak logically, rationally and objectively in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements concluded between the two countries."

According to the Turkish defence statement, Akar added, "Greece has not complied with the agreements it has signed and continues to escalate tensions and provocations."

His country supported the resolution of problems with Greece within the framework of international law, dialogue and good-neighbourliness.

Akar reiterated that Turkey had no ambitions for the territory and rights of anyone, but that its sole aim was to protect its sovereign rights and interests within the framework of the law.

The Eastern Mediterranean region is nervous against the backdrop of Turkey carrying out energy exploration operations in waters considered by Cyprus and Greece, while the European Union has repeatedly expressed its support for their position, criticizing the "illegal" Turkish actions and threatening Ankara with sanctions.