Turkey does not consider Black Sea region as a place for confrontation, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in Sevastopol on Thursday.

He also noted that Turkey does not regard as a threat extension of the lease allowing Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to be stationed in Crimea. “Turkey regards Black Sea region as an area of friendship, peace and prosperity. We wish to see history, culture, trade and art here. It is not a region for military or political confrontation. We do not have enemies here. There are countries Turkey is cooperating with. All Black Sea states are Turkey’s partners,” he said, expressing hope that the situation will remain unchanged.

A.G.