Democratic, stable Turkey basis of security in Black Sea region – Klimkin

"Pavlo Klimkin also noted that a democratic and stable Turkey is a cornerstone of security in the Black Sea region, which is suffering from the illegal occupation of the Crimea by Russia, its invasion into Donbas and aggressive military maneuvers along the Ukrainian borders," the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine said with reference to Klimkin’s speech during the 1263rd meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. According to him, it is in Europe's benefit that Turkey remains an effective democracy and a factor of stability in the region. The minister expressed hope that the Council of Europe will use all available instruments in order to provide Turkey with as much consulting, expert and institutional assistance as possible in overcoming the consequences of the coup attempt in July 2016. "Klimkin expressed clear and unfailing support for the democratically elected Turkish authorities and solidarity with the Turkish people," the statement says.