A dispute is simmering between Egypt and Turkey over economic interests in the eastern Mediterranean. The north African country is defending its maritime border demarcation agreement signed in 2013 with Cyprus. The deal allows exploration for gas in the area. The discovery of the Zohr gas field in 2015 has spurred a race for exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey had announced that Ankara was planning to start exploration work soon. CGTN's Yasser Hakim looks at reactions from Cairo.

Egypt's Foreign ministry issued a statement stressing the demarcation agreement is legal and binding, conforms to international law and is certified by the UN. It warned any attempts to violate the country's sovereignty in the area, will be confronted.

GAMAL RAIF DEPUTY EDITOR IN CHIEF, OCTOBER WEEKLY "There are no problems between the Egyptians, Greeks and Cypriots. They are seriously cooperating in making the most out of the wealth of minerals in the Mediterranean Sea. They have also succeeded together to crackdown on human trafficking and illegal migration from Egypt which is virtually non existent at the moment. .

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO, EGYPT "But some experts here believe the Turkish statements are not only related to Gas exploration or border demarcation, but it's a reflection of tensions between Egypt and Turkey since 2013."

Turkey's President Tayeb Erdogan supports the Muslim Brotherhood which was overthrown from power and branded a terrorist organisation . While Egypt accuses the Turkish government of funding Islamist militants in the region."

GAMAL RAIF DEPUTY EDITOR IN CHIEF, OCTOBER WEEKLY "Turkey doesn't want to partner with the three nations because it is already accused of occupying part of the Cypriot island. It will be a problem to discuss demarcation with Greece and Cyprus. To be able to explore Gas on his shores, Erdogan must demarcate his sea borders first. He can't go ahead with the conflicts between them."

Egypt discovered the Zohr Gas Well on its Mediterranean Sea borders last year. These discoveries will practically solve the country's energy problems, and become a huge source of revenue as well. Now Turkey wants to go ahead with similar explorations, to benefit from the new riches in the Mediterranean. But Egypt says it's on alert, to protect its borders from any possible Turkish violations. Yasser Hakim, CGTN, Cairo.