“I welcome @Pontifex statement on the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey calls on Greece, among others, to respect international law, instead of militarizing the Aegean islands and laying claim to our Blue Homeland. The Mediterranean should be a sea of peace and stability,” Altun tweeted on Monday.

Pope Francis earlier Monday expressed concern about the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean area, calling on the sides to resolve the conflicts via constructive dialogue and respect for international law.

“I follow with concern the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean area and I appeal for constructive dialogue and respect for international law to resolve the conflicts that threaten the peace of the peoples of that region,” he said.

In mid August 2020, tensions between Turkey and Greece countries have risen after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling in an area where Turkey and Greece both claim jurisdiction.

On August 25, it was reported that Greece and Turkey are planning rival naval exercises off Crete amid an escalating row over energy claims in the region.

ILKHA