Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that all parties concerned with the Montreux Treaty on the Straits have shown their commitment, stressing the importance of the agreement to ensure peace and stability.
This came in a press statement Thursday after his participation in the extraordinary meeting of NATO Defense Ministers in the Belgian capital, Brussels.
-Advertisement-
“Through talks with all parties, we want to implement the Montreux Agreement in a serious, fair and transparent manner as it has been until today,” Akar said.
“Until today all parties have adhered to the agreement, we always say Montreux is beneficial to all parties and destroying the agreement does no good to anyone,” he added.
Follow-up and compliance with the parties concerned is an important step on the road to peace and stability.
On the developments in Ukraine, Akar affirmed his country’s support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, stressing the need for a ceasefire as soon as possible.
-Advertisement-
He referred to the efforts made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
The Montreux Straits Treaty, signed in 1936, allows the passage of warships from non-riparian countries into the Black Sea from the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits.
Provided that Turkey is notified of the passage 15 days in advance, and that it stays in the Black Sea for a period not exceeding 21 days.
