Tensions between Greece and Turkey continue, and on Tuesday it was Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who found himself in the firing line.

According to reports, Turkish fighter jets harassed a helicopter carrying the PM and Greek Chief Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis en route from the islet of Ro to Rhodes.

The Chinook helicopter was flying at an altitude of 1,500 feet when it is a reported two Turkish fighter jets approached, requesting the Greek pilot provide flight details.

The pilot then proceeded to inform Tsipras and the Chief and contacted the Greek air force, which dispatched two fighter jets. On their arrival the Turkish jets took off.

Prior to the incident, the PM spoke on the island of Kastellorizo at the inauguration of two desalination units where he made statements that appeared to be in response to the recurrent provocations from Turkey over the past few months.

Tsipras said Greece would defend its principles “in any way it can … and will not cede an inch of territory”.

“Our neighbours do not always behave in a manner befitting good neighbours,” but added that he was sending Ankara “a message of cooperation and peaceful coexistence, but also of determination”.

The incident took place in the vicinity of a number of islets, whose ownership has been disputed by Greece and Turkey.