New Strategy Center participated in Istanbul, from March 30 to April 1, at a consultation session on topics of strategic interest with experts from Turkey (Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM) and Bulgaria (Sofia Security Forum).

Romanian, Turkish and Bulgarian experts discussed topics of common interest, following the security challenges in the wider Black Sea region generated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Cooperation between NATO states bordering the Black Sea is vital in the current context and discussions between experts are aimed at achieving a better understanding of the perceptions of each state regarding regional security challenges. On behalf of the New Strategy Center, Major General (Ret.) Paul Hurmuz and Commander (M) (Ret.) Ionel Pavel, senior associate experts of NSC were participants.

It is the second series of consultations between Romanian, Turkish and Bulgarian experts, the first being hosted by New Strategy Center in early February. Sofia Security Forum, Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies – EDAM and New Strategy Center are conducting a joint project funded by the public Diplomacy Division of NATO aimed at elaborating a study. Its scope is the better understanding of the strategic relevance of the Black Sea region in the current security context at the North Atlantic Alliance level. The study will be presented in June at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.