BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. The ongoing
Russia-Ukraine war and the recent surge in attacks on civilian
vessels in the Black Sea are causing serious harm to safety
regarding lives, property, navigation, and the environment in the
region, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said during a joint
press conference in Baku with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun
Bayramov, Trend's
correspondent reports from the event.
Fidan noted that during his meeting with Bayramov, they reviewed
the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been ongoing for over four and a
half years, and its impact on the region.
He pointed out that as the fighting continues unabated, civilian
casualties and destruction are, regrettably, mounting with each
passing day.
"The escalation of the war is also having a serious impact on
the Black Sea basin," the minister said.
According to Fidan, significant efforts have been made since the
beginning of the war to keep the Black Sea free from conflict.
"We have succeeded in this objective until recently, thanks to
our strict implementation of the Montreux Straits Convention and
the execution of the Black Sea Grain Initiative," he
emphasized.
The minister noted that the recent rise in attacks on civilian
vessels in the Black Sea is causing serious harm to human life,
property, shipping, and environmental safety in the region.
"Unfortunately, sailors who were citizens of Türkiye and
Azerbaijan have also lost their lives in these attacks," Fidan
added.
He prayed for God's mercy upon the deceased sailors and extended
his condolences and wishes for patience to their families.
