Turkish foreign minister Fidan: Kyiv has supported Ankara’s proposals on Black Sea security

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ukraine has supported Turkish initiatives to ensure the safety of shipping and energy logistics in the Black Sea.

He made the announcement at a press conference in Kyiv following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha.

Speaking to journalists, Fidan outlined Ankara’s position in detail. According to him, the safety of shipping and trade in the Black Sea is of “vital importance,” but due to the escalation of the war it has “completely disappeared,” which the head of Turkish diplomacy described as “frankly, very alarming.”

“Our primary goal, of course, is a complete cessation of hostilities. If that is not possible, a moratorium on hostilities could be declared in certain critical areas that matter to Ukraine, Russia, and all the countries involved. These are Black Sea shipping security and energy security. Our alternative proposals on this matter are still on the table and awaiting a response from the parties. The Ukrainian side agrees with them in all seriousness,” — Fidan stated.

Fidan clarified that he had discussed this topic both with the Russian side during a visit to Moscow and with his Ukrainian counterpart in Kyiv. Turkey proposes to separately identify two aspects — energy security and shipping security — and “ensure the parties’ commitment to certain obligations” regarding their observance, despite the fact that “the war affects all spheres.”

As a precedent, Fidan recalled the grain deal concluded two years ago, which he described as “a partial success.” According to him, during the period the agreement was in force, Ukrainian grain gained free access to world markets, which affected prices and “made a significant contribution to food security in many regions, including Africa.”

The Turkish foreign minister also noted that similar proposals on energy security, shipping safety, and guarantees for the safe transportation of grain had previously been put forward by both Turkey and the UN. The press conference was broadcast live by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on social media.