Dozens of global oil companies bid for exploring oil and gas in Lebanon's territorial waters, caretaker energy and water minister announced Thursday.

Up to 52 firms have submitted bids to explore Lebanon's offshore oil and gas reserves, "which highlights their confidence in Lebanon," Jebran Bassil said during a press conference, adding that Lebanon will witness its first oil exploration process in 2015.

Lebanon has been slow to exploit its maritime resources compared with other eastern Mediterranean countries. Israel, Cyprus and Turkey are all much more advanced in drilling for oil and gas.

In August 2011, the Lebanese parliament passed a law setting the country's maritime boundary and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Lebanon has also submitted to the United Nations a maritime map that conflicts significantly with the one proposed by Israel.

The Lebanese government warned that it will not give up the country's maritime rights and accused Israel of violating its territory waters.