Turkey to Host Black Sea Security Conference Amid Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Prospects
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Synopsis
Turkey is set to host a pivotal meeting on Black Sea security, aiming to discuss military planning and peace measures amid a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Delegates from multiple countries will engage in discussions on maritime stability, following Turkey's earlier mediation efforts and initiatives to address regional threats.
Key Takeaways
- Significant Black Sea security meeting scheduled in Ankara.
- Focus on military planning to maintain peace amid Russia-Ukraine tensions.
- Delegates from various countries will participate.
- Previous initiatives include Mine Countermeasures Task Group.
- Erdogan emphasizes Turkey's role in mediation efforts.
Ankara, April 13 (NationPress) A significant meeting focused on Black Sea security is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Naval Forces Command headquarters in Ankara, as announced by the Turkish Defence Ministry on Sunday.
The objective of this meeting is to deliberate on military planning strategies to maintain peace in the region, particularly concerning a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement from the Ministry.
Military delegates from various nations are anticipated to participate, with discussions primarily focused on the nautical aspects of ensuring stability in the Black Sea, reported Xinhua news agency.
The identities of the participating countries have not been made public.
This meeting is a continuation of previous collaborative initiatives, such as the formation of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group in July 2024.
Led by Turkey in partnership with Romania and Bulgaria, this initiative was established to tackle the hazard of drifting sea mines that arose following the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, discussing various topics including the Ukraine war and the security of navigation in the Black Sea.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan views a new regulation on maritime safety in the Black Sea as a potential means to foster confidence in the peace process ahead of the discussions.
Erdogan emphasized Turkey's past mediation efforts, notably the Black Sea grain deal, which facilitated Ukrainian agricultural exports until Russia's withdrawal in 2023.
He reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting Ukraine's complete territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence during talks with Zelensky.
Zelensky, who postponed a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing US-Russia discussions, stressed that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its future.
The Saudi discussions on February 18 represented the first direct talks between US and Russian officials since the onset of the full-scale invasion, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
