Lasting Peace for Ukraine Is Key to Black Sea Security

Achieving a lasting and just peace between Ukraine and Russia is critical for ensuring long-term security in the Black Sea region, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

According to Ukrinform on Friday, speaking at a joint press conference with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, Fidan said Turkey would continue supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

“We consider it vital for peace and stability in our region to use every opportunity to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine,” Fidan said.

“Turkey will continue to provide active support to the parties in this regard. We expect a lasting and just peace, based on international law, to be achieved as soon as possible,” he added.

Black Sea security tied to war’s outcome

Fidan said Black Sea security was one of the main topics discussed during talks with Bulgarian officials.

“The long-term guarantee of Black Sea security is the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war,” he said.

Turkey has sought to maintain its role as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow while also supporting initiatives aimed at protecting navigation in the region.

In April, Ukraine asked Turkey to host a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to move forward with diplomatic measures regarding the conflict, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Mine-clearing cooperation continues

Fidan noted that Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania continue to cooperate through the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group, a joint initiative designed to improve maritime safety.

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