EU foreign affairs ministers have met in Brussels to discuss relations with Turkey and the bloc's response to China's new security law in Hong Kong.

It was the first face-to-face meeting since the coronavirus pandemic, with relations strained with both Ankara and Beijing.

The EU said several serious issues with Turkey needed to be addressed to create an "environment of trust." These include Turkey's actions in Libya, fresh plans to drill for oil and gas in the territorial waters of Greece and Cyprus and the conversion of Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia back into a mosque.

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EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, had sought to achieve a clear and unanimous agreement on opening a dialogue with Turkey on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, which he said "ran counter to EU interests, to sovereign rights of EU member states and international law and must come to an end."

Greece and Cyprus had called for strong sanctions in the event of a territorial violation, but these did not win support in Monday's meeting.

On Hagia Sophia, the decision to convert the site from a world-famous museum back to a mosque was described as one that will "fuel mistrust, promote renewed tensions and undermine our efforts at dialogue and cooperation."

The EU also aired concern at the meeting about China's new security law in Hong Kong – which has been described in Brussels as an erosion of the city's autonomy. Ministers looked at plans led by France and Germany for a package of countermeasures on Beijing.

This could include a ban on the export of equipment such as tear gas that could be used by police, as well as giving long-term refugee status in the bloc to Hong Kong activists.

Beijing has said the new security law is urgent and necessary to prevent further social economic upheaval and unrest in Hong Kong.

The EU's proposed countermeasures would stop short of formal sanctions, but mark a more robust tone towards China.

Last month, EU Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen warned of "negative consequences" should the security law be imposed. But it remains a delicate issue.

As it takes over the Council Presidency, Germany is keen to boost economic ties with China – the bloc's second largest trading partner.