Turkey's seismic research vessel, Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa will continue its activities in the Eastern Mediterranean until Feb. 16, according to Turkey's Navtex (navigational telex) on Friday.

The Navtex maritime communications system, which allows ships to alert other vessels about their presence in an area, revealed an extension to the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa's research activities with support from the Tanux-1 and Apollo Moon vessels.

Earlier, Turkey had announced that the ship would conduct research in the region until Nov. 9.

Exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean region has caused friction between Turkey and Greece. Turkey has consistently opposed Greece's efforts to declare an exclusive economic zone based on small islands near Turkish shores, which Turkey says violates its interests as a country with the longest coastline in the Mediterranean.

Ankara has also said energy resources near Cyprus must be shared fairly between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) -- which has issued Turkish Petroleum a license -- and the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the only solution to the dispute was through dialogue and negotiation, urging Athens to respect Turkey's rights.

By Murat Temizer

Anadolu Agency

energy@aa.com.tr