US President Donald Trump called Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday evening (Athens time) to discuss the latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean.

Mr Mitsotakis thanked the US President for his call, which took place during the Republican National Convention.

Greek government sources said that Mr Mitsotakis briefed President Trump on Turkey’s actions in the region that, according to Greece, threaten peace and stability and test NATO’s cohesion.

Mr Mitsotakis said Greece is prepared to contribute to the de-escalation of tension as long as Turkey puts an immediate end to its provocative actions in the region.

Concerns are growing over the escalated tension between Turkey and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean. The neighbouring countries have been disputing maritime territorial rights and energy rights in the region.

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Turkey’s vessel Oruc Reis is conducting research in the region and is accompanied by ships of the Turkish navy. Greece says this research is within its continental shelf, something which Ankara disputes.

Both countries have announced military exercises within a broad area between the Greek island of Crete and Cyprus.