Cyprus, France, Greece and Italy conclude military exercise

Air and naval forces of Cyprus, France, Greece and Italy wrapped up a three-day military exercise off the southern coast of the east Mediterranean island nation on Friday

In footage released by the Greek National Defense General Staff late Monday, fighter jets and warships were seen participating in the joint military manoeuvres.

A statement released by the Greek National Defense General Staff said the "Evnomia" ("Rule of Law") drills were carried out as part of a joint decision by the four nations to demonstrate the EU's commitment to "implement and respect the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea and to promote and maintain stability in the region."

The drills took place amid high tensions between Greece and neighboring Turkey over Ankara's prospecting for offshore gas reserves with warship-escorted research vessels in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights.

The exercises involved a wide array of sea and air drills, including testing crews' readiness for search and rescue missions.