site.btaBulgaria, Romania, Turkiye Vow Closer Defence Ties to Ensure Black Sea Security

Bulgaria, Romania and Turkiye have highlighted the need to strengthen defence cooperation in order to enhance regional stability, according to a statement from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence.

At the invitation of the Chief of Defence of Bulgaria, Admiral Emil Eftimov, a trilateral meeting took place in Sofia on July 2 with the participation of the Chief of the Romanian Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, and the Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gurak. The defence chiefs of the three countries reviewed the regional security situation and agreed on the importance of remaining vigilant, adaptable and focused on coordinating joint activities in the Black Sea. The three friendly and allied nations underlined the need for closer defence cooperation to ensure stability in the region.

During the trilateral discussions, the parties examined various joint activities and initiatives in the maritime domain, with high praise given to the work of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group. Other areas of mutual interest for deepening and advancing military cooperation among the three countries were also discussed, the ministry noted.

The defence chiefs of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkiye expressed their determination to work together and strengthen trilateral military cooperation to guarantee stability in their region.

At the end of 2024, Bulgaria, Turkiye and Romania signed an agreement for a joint plan to clear drifting sea mines in the Black Sea, which appeared as a result of the war in Ukraine. The fifth activation of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group concluded just days ago, with Romania assuming command for the next six months.