Hakan Fidan: Turkey opposes spread of Russia-Ukraine conflict to Black Sea
Ankara does not want the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to spread to the Black Sea region, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.
On a joint press conference in Kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha, he noted that Turkey opposes any actions that pose a threat to the lives of civilians.
"Attacks on ports, tankers and fishing vessels, as well as creating threats to the lives of civilians, cannot be justified under any circumstances," Fidan said, calling on all parties to show restraint and responsibility.
The head of Turkish diplomacy noted that since the beginning of the conflict there has been a serious threat of its expansion, and recent events affecting security in the Black Sea only heighten concerns in this regard.
Fidan stressed that maintaining stability in the Black Sea is of paramount importance.
The head of the Turkish foreign ministry also said that Ankara continues to seek new strategic approaches to breaking the "vicious circle" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to him, there are new ideas being discussed both with the conflicting parties and with mediators.
The head of the Turkish foreign ministry also emphasized that he considers it "extremely expedient" to continue the negotiation process to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine within the Istanbul format with Turkey's mediation.
According to him, the Istanbul process has allowed representatives of the parties at various levels to establish more transparent interaction and conduct direct dialogue.
Fidan stressed that such contacts should continue on a regular basis. "The continuation of the war does not at all mean that negotiations in this format cannot be conducted," he said.
The minister recalled that after the launch of the Istanbul talks, U.S. representatives also joined the diplomatic efforts, trying to find ways to reach final agreements. However, he stated, hostilities continue and the risk of further escalation remains high.
The Turkish foreign minister also stressed that one of the key elements of a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine will be security guarantees for Ukraine, including land, sea and air components. The minister said that Turkey has agreed to lead the maritime component of security guarantees in the Black Sea. According to the diplomat, mutual understanding on this issue has already been reached with allies.
"Turkey has agreed to lead the maritime component. On this issue, we have reached mutual understanding with our allies. Planning of relevant activities is already being carried out by the navies of the allied countries," the Turkish foreign minister said.
Source: Anadolu
