Turkey seeks NATO's support for offshore drilling plans near Cyprus

Turkey expects NATO to support its rights in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, after the United States and European Union voiced concerns over Ankara's plans for offshore drilling in an area claimed by Cyprus as its exclusive economic zone.

Speaking at NATO's North Atlantic Council Mediterranean Dialogue Meeting in Ankara, Erdogan also said that Turkey rejected arguments claiming its deal to purchase Russian S-400 defence systems meant Ankara was looking for alternatives in its international ties.

(With inputs from agencies.)