The 17th Mediterranean Games officially began on Thursday with an opening ceremony in the southern province of Mersin, Anadolu Agency reported.
Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was very glad Turkey was hosting the games.
"The Mediterranean Sea does not separate us; rather, it unites us and brings us closer," Erdogan said.
Prime Minister Erdogan maintained that he saw Mersin Mediterranean Games as "preparation for 2020 Olympics" which Turkey is bidding to host.
"Mersin will host the Games in the most beautiful way, and will convey the sports' universal message of peace, solidarity and friendship," he said.
Erdogan expressed his wishes for the Games, saying "may fair play win, may friendship win, and above all, may the Mediterranean Sea win."