On Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that he had met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoan to discuss safe navigation of shipping in the Black Sea.

Sybiha, a user of the social media platform X, wrote: "I conveyed Ukraine’s interest in developing further cooperation between Ukraine and Turkiye in particular in the defense area."

I also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation on the Black Sea. We also discussed the ways in which we can achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Sybiha, who was in Turkey on Monday, had called for help to stop the intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea Port Infrastructure.

Four civilian vessels were damaged in the recent strikes, he said.

The Turkish government has offered to serve as an intermediary in the war that has raged for more than two-and-a half years, sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It has also tried to maintain good relations with both Moscow & Kyiv.

Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister, said: "We believe it is important to discuss initiatives that can serve peace like the Black Sea Grain Initiative." He was referring to a deal Turkey helped broker allowing Black Sea grain exports to Ukraine from its ports.

"I also discussed this with my colleague, and we admire Ukraine's positive attitude on this."

The Black Sea Grain Initiative remained in effect for approximately a year, until Russia withdrew from the accord in 2023, claiming that the provisions of the agreement had not been met. (Reporting and editing by Hugh Lawson, Sandra Maler and Tuvan Gumrukcu)

(source: Reuters)