Black Sea nations unite to combat mine threat
Facing the lingering danger of drifting mines from the Ukraine war, three Black Sea nations – Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey – are set to ink a cooperative agreement next week to tackle the growing threat.
"The war in Ukraine poses risks to our territories and maritime safety," declared Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action. His comments, reported by EFE and digi24.ro, follow months of intensive negotiations between the three NATO allies.
The agreement aims to establish a joint force tasked with clearing mines that may have drifted into the territorial waters of any of the participating countries. "Minimising these risks is paramount," stressed Tagarev, emphasising the potential dangers lurking beneath the Black Sea's surface.
While neither Tagarev nor the Turkish Defense Ministry, which announced the January 10-11 signing date, divulged details about the agreement's specifics, it signals a united front against the unpredictable threat posed by wartime remnants.
The war in Ukraine has already cast a long shadow over the Black Sea, disrupting commercial shipping and sparking anxieties about regional security. The presence of drifting mines, remnants of the ongoing conflict, has only amplified these concerns.
The planned agreement marks a significant step towards mitigating this risk and bolstering maritime safety in the region. By joining forces, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey aim to navigate the turbulent waters of the Black Sea in the face of a shared challenge.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
