Defence ministers from Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey agreed in Sofia today to share more information, watch the Black Sea more closely and improve early warning of threats. They strongly condemned drone attacks on merchant ships and called for them to stop immediately.
Earlier today, defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov told BNT that the capsized ship Horiv, which was hit off Constanta, is drifting towards Bulgarian waters and is already in Bulgaria's economic zone. The navy and the transport ministry are tracking it and will act if needed.
More on this story: Capsized ship Khoriv drifts towards Bulgarian waters, navy tracks it
Stoyanov spoke for Bulgaria, national defence minister Stefan-Radu Oprea for Romania and defence minister Yasar Guler for Turkey. Also at the talks were Admiral Emil Eftimov, Bulgaria's chief of defence, General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Turkey's chief of defence, and Lt Gen Dragos Dimitru Iacub, deputy chief of defence of Romania.
"We believe security in the Black Sea is a shared responsibility that calls for joint action," Stoyanov said after the meeting. He said the challenges in the region need coordinated action, timely sharing of information and effective cooperation. The three countries will work together at political and military level for de-escalation, more stability and free shipping. The minister added that the meeting shows their shared responsibility and their readiness to act together in a complicated situation.
In their joint position, the three countries say the attacks endanger merchant ships, maritime infrastructure and the safety of sea operations. The ministers expressed sympathy with the families of the sailors who died, and full solidarity with the countries whose citizens and ships have suffered. They also urged strict respect for international law.
Guler said Turkey is watching the intense attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea with concern. He called for restraint and for keeping shipping free in open waters. "We do not lack capabilities when it comes to the steps that can be taken," the Turkish minister said. He said the armed forces of Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania have the capabilities they need, and that stability and security in the region are vital for Turkey.
Oprea said the three-way talks will continue, to agree specific steps against escalation, protect human life and keep shipping safe in the Black Sea. The Romanian minister said the attacks on merchant ships call for a coordinated response in the air and at sea.
The three countries will work together both as a trio and as NATO members, in close coordination with their allies in the alliance.
The next meetings will be in Bucharest, at political level, and in Ankara, at the level of military experts.
Follow-up: Navy rescues 18 sailors from container ship hit by sea drone off Cape Kaliakra