An EU-Turkey summit next month is conditional on Ankara’s termination of actions in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday, as Turkish navy ships threatened to use force in a bid to prevent a drillship from sailing into an area disputed by the Turks.

Tusk made the statement following an informal summit in Brussels attended by Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Both leaders briefed their EU partners about Turkey`s illegal violations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean.

On behalf of EU leaders, Tusk expressed the EU’s full solidarity with Cyprus and Greece, and called on Turkey to terminate these activities.

He also reiterated the bloc’s support for Cyprus’ sovereign right to explore and exploit its natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"We are ready to cooperate with Turkey and will assess at our March European Council whether the conditions are there to hold the Leaders Meeting with Turkey in Varna on March 26," Tusk said.

Earlier on Friday, Italian energy firm ENI’s Saipem 12000 drillship was forced to change course after being intercepted by five Turkish navy vessels and threatened with the use of force while attempting once more to reach offshore block 3 to drill an exploratory gas well.