Turkey extends controversial Mediterranean exploration

‘Oruc Reis’ is carrying out seismic survey in area contested by Greece

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan takes part in a video conference with Turkish drilling vessel 'Fatih' before announcing the biggest natural gas discovery in history, in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan takes part in a video conference with Turkish drilling vessel 'Fatih' before announcing the biggest natural gas discovery in history, in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA

Turkish Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and Energy Minister Fatih Donmez pose with members of Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) on the deck of drilling vessel Fatih in the western Black Sea, off Turkey. REUTERS

Turkish Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and Energy Minister Fatih Donmez pose on the deck of drilling vessel 'Fatih' in the western Black Sea, off Turkey. Reuters

The Turkish drilling ship, 'Fatih', had been carrying out exploration operations in the Tuna-1 sector in the western Black Sea for the past month. Reuters

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the natural gas reserve, at 320 billion cubic metres, is the biggest in Turkish history. EPA

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan addresses the nation. Reuters

Turkey aims to bring the find to use in 2023 and to become a net energy exporter, Mr Erdogan said. EPA

The announcement comes as tensions between Turkey and Greece, and EU nations, are running high over oil and gas exploration in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean. Reuters

Mr Erdogan listens to Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and Energy Minister Fatih Donmez on a live video feed about the find. Reuters

People watch the TV at a coffee house while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces the biggest natural gas discovery in history in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA

People watch the at a cafe TV while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces the biggest natural gas discovery in history in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA

A Turkish ship in the Eastern Mediterranean will extend its oil and gas exploration until August 27 in a move that will anger Greece, which has declared the survey to be illegal.

The Oruc Reis,  which has been accompanied by Turkish warships, has been carrying out seismic surveys in water claimed by Cyprus and Greece.

It was expected to complete its work on August 23 but on Sunday the Turkish navy issued an advisory that said three vessels, including the Oruc Reis, would continue until August 27.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for hydrocarbon exploration.

Turkey and Greece also disagree on flights over the Aegean Sea and the status of Cyprus, which is divided between the Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

There is widespread disagreement over resource claims on the continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands.

The island of Kastellorizo, only 2 kilometres from the Turkish city of Antalya, is a particularly sensitive talking point.

Critics say the expansionism by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is another example of him trying to coerce others into what he wants.

Ankara says the exploration by the Oruc Reis  is in response to a maritime deal signed by Greece and Egypt this month.

Turkey has also been looking for oil and gas in the Black Sea. On Friday, Mr Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic metre gasfield.

Turkey has traditionally relied on energy imports but Mr Erdogan vowed last week to make the country a net exporter.

Greece plans naval exercises in contested area

Greece on Monday said it would conduct a naval and air force exercise in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean that Turkey is exploring.

The live-fire exercises, due to take place south-east of Crete, would start on Tuesday and end on Thursday.

Greece had already sent a large part of its navy in response to the drilling exploration by fellow Nato member Turkey, in a dispute that also involves the EU.

The US and the EU have so far backed Greece in the dispute.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is due in Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try and revive talks between senior Greek and Turkish officials, in an initiative that started in July but was broken off by Turkey weeks later.