Turkish seismic research vessel Oruç Reis has returned to Turkey following technical talks at NATO to resolve tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, Ahval News reports citing Haberler news website.
Turkish and Greek officials at NATO headquarters held talks on how to avoid a military escalation in the eastern Mediterranean on Thursday.
Athens earlier refused to join in on talks unless Ankara withdraws its naval ships from the contested waters.
Oruç Reis research ship, along with a naval escort, was expected to continue surveying off the coasts of the Greek islands of Kastellorizo and Rhodes until Sept. 25.
“This attitude must have continuity and consistency in the coming period,” Cyprus Mail cited Stelios Petsas, the Greek government spokesman, as saying.
It should be noted that Greece and Turkey have had disputes over the exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean led to the rise of the tension between two states. Both sides does not seem ready to make mutual reciprocal concessions on this issue.
