Istanbul, Turkey – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Monday that his country is conducting continuous contacts and talks with Russia and Ukraine to secure maritime navigation in the Black Sea. These moves come amid ongoing major challenges facing commercial vessel traffic and their direct impact on global food supplies. Through intensive communications, Ankara seeks to prevent further disruptions affecting regional security while adhering to previous grain export deal standards.
Speaking at the conclusion of the first meeting of the political and defense committee of the Mecca Agreement in Istanbul, Fidan stated that Turkey maintains constant communication with both Russian and Ukrainian sides regarding maritime safety. The Turkish minister confirmed that guaranteeing safe ship movement remains a significant and sensitive issue for the entire region at present. Consequently, Turkish authorities aim to continue their mediator role in constructive communication between both parties to craft sustainable solutions.
Intensive Contacts and Global Food Security Concerns
Furthermore, Turkey aims to establish new international arrangements ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commercial navigation and reducing severe risks facing vessels in Black Sea waters. The Turkish foreign minister noted that dangerous repercussions are not confined solely to the regional geography but extend directly to global food security. In this regard, Fidan explained that various grains intended for export from Russia and Ukraine are failing to reach global markets in required quantities.
In addition, Ankara receives numerous continuous requests from various countries worldwide seeking effective assistance in resolving this complex crisis and its surrounding circumstances. These international demands reflect the strategic importance of both nations’ exports for global markets and basic food supply security. As a result, the Turkish government places this critical file at the top of its current foreign policy priorities and diplomatic movements.
Ankara’s Efforts to Broker a New Maritime Pact
Fidan emphasized that Turkey is working diligently, just as it did in previous stages, toward the possibility of concluding a new agreement similar to the historic grain trade initiative. That deal contributed directly to organizing the export of grains and agricultural products across Black Sea maritime corridors, provided all necessary conditions and requirements are met. These diplomatic moves come at a crucial time when Turkey strives to maintain open communication channels.
Ultimately, Ankara leverages its balanced relationships with Moscow and Kyiv to reach concrete arrangements guaranteeing full maritime security and supporting continuous grain flows toward international markets. The Turkish minister stressed that the success of any newly concluded agreement requires suitable conditions and essential mutual understandings among all involved parties. This framework will help restore widespread stability and safety across international maritime navigation routes.
