ANKARA

Turkey has rights concerning the abundant energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean, said Greece's foreign minister on Thursday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Antalya, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, George Katrougalos said they are working to reduce tension in the region.

"We know that Turkey has certain rights regarding energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean," Katrougalos said.

Turkey has rights based on international maritime law and Greece is "aware" of that, he added.

Greece and Turkey have been at loggerheads over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly around the divided island of Cyprus.