Türkiye has been officially welcomed as a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a regional cooperation platform uniting countries between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The decision was finalized at the 10th Three Seas Summit in Warsaw, Poland, where Türkiye’s application received unanimous approval from all member states. The 3SI, which includes EU nations such as Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, focuses on enhancing infrastructure, energy security, and economic development in Central and Eastern Europe.

Türkiye’s new role as a strategic partner places it alongside key players like the European Commission, the United States, Germany, and Japan. The initiative also includes participating members (EU states) and associated members (non-EU countries like Ukraine and Moldova).

Having attended the 9th Summit in Vilnius in 2024 as a special guest, Türkiye now aims to leverage its strategic partnership to drive economic growth, support infrastructure projects, and bolster energy security. Turkish officials highlighted their commitment to regional connectivity and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, a key priority for the 3SI in 2025.

Türkiye’s inclusion underscores its rising influence in Central and Eastern Europe and strengthens ties at a critical time for regional stability and investment in infrastructure. (ILKHA)