Answering reporters’ questions after Friday prayer in Istanbul, Erdoğan noted that Turkey recalled its vessel the Oruç Reis to the port for maintenance and that this doesn’t mean the end of seismic exploration, and said: “The Oruç Reis will return to mission after its maintenance is over and will resume its works in the same fashion.”

“There may be talks with Libya’s government of national accord”

In answer to a question regarding Chairman of the Presidential Council of Government of National Accord of Libya Fayez Al Sarraj’s announcement that he will resign, Erdoğan said that it is saddening to hear of such an announcement and development.

Stressing that the putschist Haftar in Libya will be the losing side sooner or later, Erdoğan said that the delegations from Turkey and the Government of National Accord may hold talks this week and that he hopes the issue may be put in the right direction following the talks.

“We are ready for talks so long as there is goodwill”

Answering a question as to whether he may meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, Erdoğan noted that there are many heads of state and government or prime ministers acting in an intermediary position, and that he told them Turkey has no problem talking with Prime Minister Mitsotakis but that the real question is what will be discussed and within what framework.

Underlining that the Oruç Reis was recalled to the port for restocking and maintenance, Erdoğan said: “If we recalled the Oruç Reis to the port for maintenance, this also means something. Why did we recall it? This is a meaningful approach. That is to say, let’s give a chance to diplomacy and display a positive approach in diplomacy; let Greece meet this approach of ours in a positive direction as well and let’s take a step accordingly. That is why we did so. The Oruç Reis is now there for restocking and maintenance; however, this for sure doesn’t mean that our seismic exploration is finished. The Oruç Reis will return to mission in the same fashion after its maintenance is over. We told them that we are ready for talks so long as there is goodwill.” (ILKHA)