Turkey warns of food security risks from Black Sea escalation

Further escalation of the war in the Black Sea is creating growing risks for commercial shipping and global food security, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. According to him, Ankara considers the spread of hostilities into the Black Sea and the increasing number of attacks on civilian vessels unacceptable.

Fidan said Turkey has sought since the start of the war to prevent the conflict from spreading into the Black Sea, including through strict implementation of the Montreux Convention and its role in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. However, attacks on civilian shipping in recent months have increased risks to navigation, cargoes and companies operating in the region.

Ankara continues talks with the parties on mechanisms that could improve shipping security and limit strikes on critical infrastructure. Turkey has previously proposed separate arrangements to protect navigation in the Black Sea and energy facilities.

According to Fidan, a prolonged war will create greater risks for food security, energy prices and the environment. Safe navigation in the Black Sea remains particularly important for stable exports of grain and other agricultural products to global markets.

Separately, the Turkish foreign minister called for safe, uninterrupted and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions there could further affect global energy prices and, through higher fuel and freight costs, agricultural logistics and food markets.

Tags: food security, war, Turkey, export, Black Sea region