ATHENS

Greece's foreign minister said Tuesday they are ready for dialogue with Turkey after several days of heightened tensions.

Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzales Laya, Nikos Dendias said: “Our only problem with Turkey is the determination of the continental shelf and maritime zones.”

“We are ready for dialogue with Turkey without any force or threats,” he added.

With reference to her recent visit to Ankara, Laya said Turkey also wants dialogue with Athens.

Tensions between the two nations have recently escalated over the issue of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean.