ISTANBUL, 26, January, 2021 (TON): Germany called the new talks between the two NATO member countries, Greece and Turkey to be a positive sign, on Monday in Istanbul.

The countries went through tensions over claims to Mediterranean waters, energy rights and other issues.

In Istanbul, the 61st round of discussions between the countries on the eastern Mediterranean standoff took place on Monday.

Tensions between the neighboring NATO members have been mounting over claims to Mediterranean waters, energy rights and a number of other issues. Germany has called the new talks a "positive" sign.

It is expected that the meeting will foster good relations between the two parties. The consultations were described as exploratory, with the expectation for more formal meetings to follow.

The United States said it "welcomes" the resumption of contacts, while Germany called them the "positive (sign) we have been waiting for some time." The standoff with both Greece and Cyprus last summer saw Turkey send exploration vessels into contested waters, EU allies dispatch ships to the region to back Greek claims and both Ankara and Athens conduct military maneuvers with warships and fighter jets.

The EU had threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey. But after a virtual meeting with his 26 EU counterparts on Monday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who was in Turkey last week, said the ministers had decided to hold off on those measures for the time being.

Monday's talks are not only important for Turkey's bilateral relations with Greece, but will also play a key role in the country's relations with the EU.