Statements from Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler After the Meeting in Sofia

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler spoke at the joint press conference following the Turkey-Bulgaria-Romania Defense Ministers and Chiefs of General Staff Meeting in Sofia, which he attended alongside Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu. Güler stated that Turkey will resolutely continue its efforts for Black Sea security, the implementation of the Montreux Convention, and regional stability.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler stated that support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity has continued since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, while efforts have been made to prevent the escalation of crises through open communication channels maintained with Russia. Güler noted that the war, which has lasted for approximately five years, has created security reflections in the Black Sea through commercial vessels, drifting mines, UAVs, USVs, and missile fragments.

Reminding that another commercial vessel was hit by three drones within Bulgaria's maritime jurisdiction, Güler reported that the parties were called to common sense within the scope of freedom of navigation. Emphasizing that legal rights are reserved against attacks targeting Turkish-flagged and Turkish-operated vessels, Güler stressed that while regional countries possess the capabilities to take measures, it is important to make tactical and strategic rational decisions through sensitive diplomacy. Güler added that the requirements of the Montreux Convention are meticulously fulfilled, and the "Mine Countermeasures Operation" and the "MCM Black Sea" initiative are being maintained against the mine threat.