“Turkey makes every effort to reduce tensions in the Black Sea region. All disagreements in the region should be solved by diplomacy and negotiations.” This was stated by the Minister of National Defense of Turkey Hulusi Akar, reports “Anadolu”.
According to him, Ankara gives the importance of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and Ukraine.
“As President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ankara did and continues to take everything possible to reduce tension level,” said Akar.
He also stressed that, thanks to Montreux’s Convention on the status of straits from 1936 in the Black Sea, a certain status quo was formed.
“Thanks to this, the balance of power in the Black Sea region has been saved, security and stability was provided. We declare it with every opportunity, and it is vital,” said Akar.
Returning to the theme of the Ukrainian-Russian Crisis, Akar noted that Turkey from the first day at the highest level expressed its clear position on this issue.
“From the first day, we oppose the occupation of the Crimea. We also said that we support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and continue to stand on our. We spell up for sanity and a weighted approach to the settlement of tension in the region, and in this sense we sincerely wish that So that the countries of the Black Sea region remain in the context of peace, dialogue, calm and prosperity, “said Akar.
Akar stressed that Turkey opposes the further escalation of tension in the Black Sea.
“In conversations with partners, we emphasize that radical rhetoric or statements should be avoided, which can lead to an increase in tension. Before making any actions or voice applications, it is necessary to carefully consult with partners,” he said.
The Minister recalled that Turkey is a country with the longest coastline in the Black Sea and called on all sides to calm, cooperation, consultations, dialogue.