Baku: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that Trkiye rejects the expansion of war in the Black Sea and insists on guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This declaration was made during a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, following their discussions in Baku.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan stressed that Trkiye has made intensive efforts since the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war to keep the Black Sea out of the conflict. He emphasized the unacceptability of the war’s expansion into the Black Sea and underscored the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

During the conference, Fidan warned of the serious repercussions of escalation on navigation, shipping, and the environment in the Black Sea. He highlighted that Turkey had successfully kept the Black Sea out of the conflict through the Montreux Convention on the Straits and the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which regulate warship movement through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits.

Fidan pointed out the increasing attacks on civilian vessels, which have caused significant harm to lives, property, navigation, and the environment. He noted that Turkish and Azerbaijani sailors were victims of these attacks. He mentioned that Ankara has issued necessary warnings to relevant parties and expressed optimism that a consensus on Black Sea security could be achieved if political will and good faith are present.

Regarding regional security, Fidan discussed Iran’s stability and its direct link to regional security. He called for the resolution of existing disputes through diplomatic channels and demanded a halt to actions that escalate tensions. Fidan emphasized the importance of ensuring “safe, continuous, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz” and urged a return to the pre-war status quo as soon as possible.

Fidan reiterated Trkiye’s commitment to maintaining contact with all relevant parties to contribute to ending the crisis and establishing peace and stability in the region.