Turkey Tells Russia to Avoid Threats to Black Sea Security, Renews Mediation Offer
Turkey's Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Security Concerns
Turkey's Warning to Russia Over Black Sea Security
ANKARA, June 16 (Reuters) - Turkey's foreign minister said on Tuesday he told his Russian counterpart about the need to avoid steps in the Black Sea that threatened regional security and Turkey's interests, adding he also repeated Turkey's offer to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.
Recent Incidents and Ankara's Response
In recent months, Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of drone attacks on tankers near Turkey's northern coast, including one on a Turkish-owned vessel. Ankara has protested to both Kyiv and Moscow over the attacks.
Press Conference Highlights and Mediation Offer
Speaking at a press conference alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the priority for Turkey - which hosted previous rounds of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia - was for the sides to resume negotiations and end the war as soon as possible.
Turkey's Readiness to Host Negotiations
"I conveyed our readiness to host the next rounds of talks once again... If the sides agree, we are ready to also discuss how the negotiations can continue in a more result-oriented way," he said.
Ensuring Navigational Safety in the Black Sea
"I conveyed to my counterpart our expectation to avoid any incidents that can harm our country's interests in the Black Sea," Fidan added, saying he and Lavrov discussed possible ways to ensure navigational safety in the region.
Turkey's Stance on Civilian Safety
He added that Turkey also opposed any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Turkey's Role as Mediator and Relations with Russia and Ukraine
Kyiv asked Ankara in April to mediate by hosting a leaders' level meeting. Turkey, which will host a NATO summit this July, has maintained cordial ties with Moscow and Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Huseyin HayatseverEditing by Ros Russell)
