Turkey is ready for anything in order to defend its rights in the eastern Mediterranean but it is working for peace in the region, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Speaking at an event to celebrate Ottoman rule, Cavusoglu said: “Being the children of this great culture is a source of pride for us. Today, eight centuries later, we shape our foreign policy with the inspiration we receive from this glorious heritage. We are actively present in the arena, and at the table for to pave the way for peace”.

Ankara wanted to see lasting peace and prosperity in the region, he said, but added that Turkey would “not hesitate to defend our rights”.

“We respect the rights and the law but we are determined to defend our right to the end. If it’s at the table, then the table it is. If is the field it’s the field. We are ready for everything,” he said.

The same approach applied to the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, Cavusoglu said.