Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania stress Black Sea security

Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania have reaffirmed the importance of the Black Sea for international trade and the supply of grain, fertilizers and energy, condemning attacks on commercial vessels and calling for greater maritime security.

The statement was issued Wednesday following a trilateral meeting of defense ministers and chiefs of general staff in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Romanian Defense Minister Stefan-Radu Oprea attended the meeting.

Countries call for freedom of navigation

The three ministers strongly condemned attacks against commercial vessels in the Black Sea, warning that disruptions to maritime traffic threaten global supply chains, food security and energy supplies, particularly in vulnerable regions of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

“We wish to reaffirm the importance of freedom of navigation and maritime security,” the joint statement said, calling on all parties to refrain from actions that could endanger commercial vessels, maritime infrastructure and freedom of navigation.

The ministers also expressed regret over the deaths of seafarers in the attacks and voiced solidarity with countries whose citizens and vessels had been affected.

International law highlighted

The statement urged all parties to comply with international law, including the Montreux Convention and applicable international humanitarian law, to safeguard security in the Black Sea, preserve regional stability and ensure safe maritime activities.

It also highlighted the role of Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye as NATO allies in addressing regional security needs, while expressing appreciation for the alliance’s support for deterrence and defense.

NATO coordination to be strengthened

The three countries agreed to take appropriate measures, coordinating with NATO where necessary, to enhance information and intelligence sharing, strengthen maritime situational awareness and improve early-warning capabilities.

They also pledged to deepen cooperation and coordination among their armed forces to support security and stability in the Black Sea region.

Further consultations, information exchanges and the identification of practical measures to strengthen regional security will continue, with the next round of consultations scheduled to take place in Ankara and Bucharest.