Just, lasting peace is essential for long-term security of Black Sea region - Turkish FM Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made this statement at a joint press conference with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova during a visit to Sofia, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

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

According to the Turkish minister, the issue of Black Sea security was one of the key topics during negotiations with the Bulgarian side.

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

The minister noted that Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania continue to cooperate within the Black Sea Mine Action Group, which promotes the safety of navigation in the region.

As reported by Ukrinform, in May, the Turkish foreign minister stated that Turkey is actively involved in ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, supports a diplomatic resolution to the war, seeks to ensure regional stability, and sees itself as a mediator in both the Middle East and the Black Sea region.