BRUSSELS — Turkish latest actions in the Eastern Mediterranean are regrettable and continue to create more tension and distrust in the region, the European Union's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Peter Stano, said in a statement released on Wednesday regarding Turkey's renewed seismic surveys in the region.

"The latest Navtex announcements and the continued conduct of seismic survey activities by Turkey, which is affecting Greek and Cypriot maritime zones, are deeply regrettable – especially in view of ongoing constructive attempts at all levels to create space for dialogue.

This is yet another course of action that, unfortunately, continues to create more tensions and distrust in the region instead of contributing to lasting solutions.

Dialogue in good faith and abstention from unilateral actions are crucial elements for reaching a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Turkey. Differences need to be discussed and sorted at the negotiations table," the statement said.

(ANA/ E. Zarkadoula)