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.

• Paris talks deliver U.S. backing for Ukraine, European concerns remain
• Zelenskyy, Starmer and Macron sign declaration on future multinational forces in Ukraine

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.

Copied