Turkish Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu told a gathering of Black Sea coastal-nation border and security commanders in Istanbul that protecting energy transit routes ranks among the core responsibilities of regional governments.
Aksu noted that the Black Sea has grown into a major energy corridor over the past decade, and credited joint regional initiatives, including economic cooperation forums and naval task forces, with making it one of the world's more stable maritime zones.
The minister also highlighted the need for stronger multilateral efforts against terrorism, organized crime, drug and human smuggling, and financial and cyber crime. He said Türkiye has concluded 102 agreements and protocols with 52 countries in support of those goals.
At the meeting, Türkiye assumed the rotating presidency from Georgia. The other participating nations are Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.