Istanbul (dpa) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday moved to soothe a maritime dispute in the eastern Mediterranean with Greece, saying Ankara is not seeking tension in the region and urging dialogue.

“The way to a solution in the eastern Mediterranean is through dialogue and negotiation. We are not chasing any unnecessary adventure or seeking tension,” Erdogan told members of his ruling party in Ankara.

Erdogan still charged that Greece is responsible for stoking tension in the eastern Mediterranean, calling on Athens to respect Turkey's rights.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are at odds regarding exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the area. Greece and the EU claim Turkey's search in the region is illegal. Turkey contests that the area is within its exclusive economic zone.

Ankara resumed its energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday, in response to a deal between Greece and Egypt laying out rights for oil and gas drilling in the area.

In July, Ankara decided to temporarily pause drilling to pursue dialogue with Athens, after a request from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Erdogan said the Oruc Reis gas exploration vessel will continue drilling operations south of the Greek island of Megisti, close to the Turkish mainland, until August 23.

Erdogan said he will discuss the issue with Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel in a phone conversation later on Thursday.

On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron said his country will temporarily boost its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in response to the dispute between Turkey and Greece.