Montreux Convention Regarding the Turkish Straits Discussed at BAU

The Montreux Convention Regarding the Turkish Straits, whose importance for world maritime affairs grows every day, was discussed in its 80th year at an international symposium held at Bahçeşehir University (BAU).

At the symposium, led by Captain Saim Oğuzülgen, Director of the BAU Turkish Straits Application and Research Center, the gains the Montreux Convention Regarding the Turkish Straits, signed on 20 July 1936, brought to Türkiye and how decisive it is in today's international foreign policy were discussed.

Burak Özügergin, Director General for Bilateral Political Affairs and Maritime-Aviation-Border Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "Atatürk drew the road to Montreux. Atatürk said, 'The Straits, which have many times in history been a cause of dispute and ambition, are now under Turkish sovereignty and have become a route only for trade and friendly relations.' The Montreux Convention created a reasonable and workable balance of interests not only for our country but also for all Black Sea littoral states and third countries."

Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Cihat Yaycı of the Naval Forces Command said, "Montreux keeps the Black Sea away from major tensions and crises. It brings together countries from different poles. It has survived to the present day without any changes."

Strategist and maritime policy expert, retired Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Cem Gürdeniz, said, "The Montreux Convention has not only regulated the passage of merchant ships and warships through the Turkish Straits. It also forms the basis of a security regime in its own right in a semi-enclosed sea such as the Black Sea."
'It Is Important for Us Too'

Prof. Dr. Alexander Skaridov, faculty member at the Admiral Makarov State Maritime Academy in Russia, said, "Montreux, which ensures that the Black Sea is a sea of peace, is very important for us too. The Russian people are also aware of Montreux. Preserving these gains makes the countries bordering the Black Sea happy."