Erdogan: We will protect our interests in the East Mediterranean with frigates and aircrafts

 Erdogan

 The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that if needed, they would put frigates and aircraft near the search and drilling vessels to protect the rights of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean.

The head of the Turkish state made important statements during the Export Ceremony Awards for Export Champions, organized in Istanbul.

Speaking of a situation in the eastern Mediterranean, Erdogan said that if any of those who view the oil and natural gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean as a simple job, this mean they do not know anything about it.

"We are doing research in the countries that have been assigned to us. We have 4 ships, 2 of which make drillings and 2 other searches. Now these are the ships that belong to us. If someone makes games, we will continue our activities if necessary by placing all of our frigates and aircrafts near our ships. They gave orders to arrest the shipmasters! You may see in your dream, who are you to arrest ?! We will protect the staff there. Our efforts are continuing now," he said.

Erdogan also reacted to the statement by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on the Eastern Mediterranean.

"The French President wanted us to retreat from our research! What are you saying? We share the same coast here, we are the guarantor in Cyprus. Who are you? We are aware of our burden. But you do not have any idea of this," the Turkish president said among other things.