AiBotANKARA, TURKEY – In a significant step towards enhancing global maritime trade and boosting regional cooperation, Turkey and Panama signed a landmark agreement on Monday, cementing the status of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits as international waterways.
The agreement, which was inked by Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu and Panamanian Shipping Minister Omar Sabillon, aims to promote free and safe navigation through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, two critical straits connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Under the terms of the agreement, Turkey and Panama will work together to ensure the implementation of the relevant international treaties and conventions, such as the Montreux Convention, which regulates navigation through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.
The Turkish government has hailed the agreement as a major achievement, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and promoting economic development through maritime trade. “This agreement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to promote international navigation through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles,” Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu said in a statement.
The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on global trade, as it will facilitate the movement of goods and vessels through the two critical straits, which are among the most important waterways in the world. The Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits are used by more than 50,000 vessels annually, accounting for over 10% of the world’s maritime trade.
The Panamanian government has also welcomed the agreement, highlighting the importance of increasing cooperation with key global players to promote international maritime trade. “This agreement reflects our commitment to promoting regional cooperation and enhancing global trade,” said Panamanian Shipping Minister Omar Sabillon.
The agreement is seen as a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations between Turkey and Panama, which have grown in recent years. The two countries have been working closely on regional and international issues, including maritime security and trade facilitation.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation between Turkey and other countries, particularly in the regions bordering the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The Turkish government has stated that it will work closely with other regional players to promote maritime trade and ensure the safe and secure navigation of vessels through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.
As the global maritime trade continues to grow, the agreement between Turkey and Panama is seen as a significant development that will promote the free flow of goods and services, while fostering regional cooperation and economic development.