ATHENS, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged here on Monday for the resumption of dialogue between Greece and Turkey in order to resolve differences over maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean on the basis of international law.

The top Russian diplomat held talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as well as Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues.

Increased tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean in recent months over seismic surveys by Turkish ships in disputed areas have caused international concern.

The two neighboring countries are at odds for years over maritime borders and energy exploitation rights.

"We agree that the tension created in the region needs to be de-escalated as soon as possible, in order for the countries to proceed to resolve all the problems - which are not few - in the region, through direct dialogue," Lavrov said when Mitsotakis welcomed him in his office, according to a translation from Greek national broadcaster ERT.

"This also applies to the issues linked to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, when issues arise between neighboring countries whose interests intersect and there needs to be a settlement through transnational agreements," the Russian official added.

"This can be achieved through direct dialogue. Russia is very close to this region. We have good, stable relations with the countries of the region and if there is will, interest from our partners, we are ready to contribute to the normalization of the situation," Lavrov said, according to ERT.

The Greek prime minister, on his part, said: "Greece stands firmly on the part of international law and treaties, as well as the rules of good neighborliness. We have proved this in practice by signing maritime demarcation agreements with both Italy and Egypt." Enditem

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