Ankara holds multinational meeting on maritime safety in Black Sea

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense is holding a two-day meeting to discuss maritime security in the Black Sea, amid growing international focus on a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The meeting, which began on April 15, is taking place at the Naval Forces Command headquarters in Ankara, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The discussions are said to center around ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, though no additional details have been disclosed.

The Turkish Defense Ministry had earlier announced the gathering, which includes military representatives (defense attachés) from various foreign countries. While specifics remain limited, a source in Ankara told Russian reporters that Bulgaria and Romania — members of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group — may also be taking part.

Clarifying the nature of the event, another source emphasized that the meeting should not be mistaken for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. “This is not a negotiation between Russia and Ukraine — they are not represented at the meeting. It concerns planning for Black Sea security and is preliminary in nature,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Türkiye continues its broader diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Ankara has consistently called on both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and has expressed readiness to support any initiative, including mediation, that can help pave the way toward peace.

Türkiye was the first country to host direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in March 2022, in the Mediterranean city of Antalya. That diplomatic engagement helped produce the landmark Black Sea grain deal, which facilitated the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement in July 2023, citing restrictions on its own grain exports.

Despite the setback, Türkiye remains actively engaged in promoting peace and stability in the Black Sea region.