Turkey Resumes East Mediterranean Gas Exploration... Rising Tensions Between Turkey and Greece

Turkey Geological Survey Ship Resumes Eastern Mediterranean Exploration
Greece Demands "Turkey Reconsider This Decision"
Tensions Rise Again Following August This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Turkey has resumed its natural gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, which had previously caused conflicts with Greece and others. The strong opposition from Greece and Cyprus has further heightened tensions in the region.

On the 12th (local time), Turkey and Greece engaged in a verbal dispute over the resumption of exploration activities by the geological survey vessel Oru? Reis. Greece warned that this exploration "raises the level of tension between the regions and threatens peace in the area." The Greek Foreign Minister stated, "Turkey is systematically ignoring international law, maritime regulations, and the customs between neighboring countries," and added, "Greece demands that Turkey immediately revoke this exploration decision."

The day before, the Turkish Navy announced that Oru? Reis would conduct exploration around Kastellorizo Island. Turkey also revealed plans to deploy naval warships in connection with this exploration.

Turkey's geological survey vessel Oruc Reis [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Earlier in August this year, Turkey had also deployed Oru? Reis near Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean to explore natural gas deposits, which provoked opposition from Cyprus and Greece. At that time, Greece issued alerts to its navy and air force and took emergency measures against Turkey. The conflict subsided when Oru? Reis withdrew for maintenance and other reasons.

Turkey and Greece had agreed to discuss conflicts between the two countries, including natural gas exploration, through foreign ministers' talks and were coordinating schedules when this decision was made, drawing attention to the background.

The sharp conflict between Turkey and Greece stems from disagreements over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around Kastellorizo Island. Turkey claims this area as its EEZ, arguing that it is only 2 km away from the Turkish mainland. In contrast, Greece, which claims Kastellorizo Island as its territory, insists that this zone is part of its EEZ. According to a treaty from 1923 during the Turkish War of Independence, the Eastern Thrace region including Istanbul was recognized as Turkish territory, while the islands in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece were designated as Greek territory. Due to this treaty, although Kastellorizo Island is closer to Turkey, it is Greek territory.

As Turkey raises tensions with Greece again, the European Union (EU) and others have not hidden their disappointment. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed regret, stating, "This decision is unfortunate," and pointed out, "It will lead to new conflicts rather than contributing to the de-escalation we demanded."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.