ANKARA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the security of civilian maritime transport in the Black Sea is of great importance, the Turkish media reported Wednesday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses his party members at the parliament in Ankara, Türkiye, on June 10, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Erdogan made the remarks during an interview on the plane returning to Türkiye after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, according to semi-official Anadolu Agency.

Erdogan said that conflicts between parties should not be allowed to reach a point that undermines the security of civilians and commercial activities, said the report.

The remarks came after a series of incidents involving Turkish-linked commercial vessels in the Black Sea in recent months. Türkiye has repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining safe and uninterrupted commercial navigation in the Black Sea.