Türkiye Says No Joint Russia-Black Sea Operations Yet, But Partnership Imminent

Türkiye's Foreign Ministry clarified on Friday that no joint military operations with Russia are currently underway in the Black Sea under the Operation Black Sea Harmony framework.

The operation was established by Türkiye's Naval Forces Command in March 2004, with the aim of supporting UN Security Council resolutions on counterterrorism, reducing risks in the Black Sea region, and coordinating with NATO's Active Endeavour Operation in the Mediterranean.

Under the operation, Türkiye stops and questions crews aboard vessels transiting its territorial waters when there is cause for suspicion, sharing resulting intelligence with NATO allies.

In 2005, Türkiye invited all Black Sea coastal nations to participate. Russia responded positively to that invitation and is expected to formally join within a month, after which the two countries will be able to share intelligence and conduct joint exercises in the Black Sea.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.