Erdogan chides Greece, EU over Mediterranean spat

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan characterised Greece's army as "dilapidated" on Monday and called Athens to seek a dialogue with Ankara.

"I advise those who, instead of sitting around the table with us, show defiance with their dilapidated military forces, to carefully inspect our diplomatic efforts and military operations of the past four years," Erdogan said following a Cabinet meeting.

He also criticised the EU which has shown solidarity with Athens in the dispute.

Erdogan's comments came after Greece announced it would be bolstering its military, amid concerns that the standoff between the two NATO allies could lead to open conflict.

The two historic rivals are currently at odds over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Both countries have deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region.