Türkiye is prepared to “assume responsibility” for the security of the Black Sea once a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
“There is nothing more natural than Türkiye assuming responsibility in this regard, given its role as a NATO member with the largest fleet in the Black Sea,” Fidan added.
He made the remarks after attending a Tuesday (6 January) meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris.
Led by France, Germany, and the UK, the coalition includes 35 countries that have pledged stepped-up support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
While Türkiye is not an official coalition member, it has continued to play a mediating role between the two warring parties.
Fidan described Tuesday’s coalition meeting in the French capital as a “critical summit” that had served to highlight Ankara’s “role as mediator.”
“After four years of war, we are now quite close to a lasting peace,” he said, speaking to reporters at Türkiye’s Paris embassy after the meeting.
“At the very least, certain areas that are key to achieving peace are being discussed in extremely detailed fashion,” he added. “Türkiye has contributed to this process.”
Fidan also voiced hope that, once peace is realised, Türkiye would play a “major role in [Ukraine’s] economic revitalisation and development.”
According to the foreign minister, a prospective Russia-Ukraine peace agreement would not only end the war in Ukraine, but would also serve to “determine the modalities of peace between Russia and Europe” in the post-war era.
In terms of Black Sea security, Fidan stressed that the Turkish military has “always held the position that Türkiye would assume responsibility for the naval component … in the event of peace.”
In his remarks to the press, Fidan also referred to the current situation in Syria, describing recent Israeli military activity in the country’s southwest as “provocative.”
“These provocative actions are an extension of Israel’s expansionist and divisive policies in the region,” he said.
“It is important for regional stability that the necessary assessments are made and that appropriate measures are taken.”
“This is something that must be done together with the countries of the region, and there are also serious roles that the United States can play in this regard,” he added.
Fidan said he had raised the issue with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, who was also in Paris for a separate meeting with U.S. and Israeli officials.
“We are in constant consultation with both the Syrian and American sides,” Ankara’s top diplomat said.
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The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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