“Şentop’s Harsh Reaction to Ukraine Tension at Ankara Summit”
Turkey’s Speaker of the Grand National Assembly and Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), Mustafa Şentop, thanked member countries for their support following a major earthquake disaster that struck Turkey in February 2023. In his speech at the 61st PABSEC Plenary Session, Şentop highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in resolving problems in the region and promoting development, peace, and stability. He urged member states to strengthen cooperation between parliaments and work together to build political trust, prevent prejudices and misperceptions, and keep dialogue channels open.
During the session, tensions rose when the Ukrainian delegation attempted to protest with a flag during the speech of the Deputy Head of the Russian delegation, Olga Timofeva. However, Şentop intervened to defuse the situation, emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue among member countries.
Overall, Şentop expressed his optimism about the PABSEC’s ability to promote cooperation and development in the Black Sea region and expressed his commitment to further improving relations between member states.
