Greece has protested to Turkey over the deployment of a research vessel in the Aegean Sea, calling it an unnecessary step as the two NATO allies seek to resume talks, AP reported.

The Turkish Navy said in a statement that the research vessel Cesme will conduct hydrographic surveys from February 18 to March 2 in an international waters area where both sides have potential interests.

This is an unnecessary step and does not contribute to positive sentiment, government spokesman Christos Tarantilis told reporters.

The Greek MFA filed an oral complaint, adding that the so-called NAVTEX recommendations are illegal.

After a five-year hiatus and months of tension last year, Greek and Turkish officials met in Ankara on January 25 to discuss maritime delineation.

The Istanbul meeting ended a few hours later, and the two countries agreed to meet again in Athens.

Athens has extended an invitation to Ankara to resume negotiations in early March - ahead of a summit of European leaders - and is awaiting a response from Turkey, MFA spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou told reporters.