The final stage of the joint naval exercises on operational interaction named BLACKSEAFOR starts on Friday in the Black Sea, ITAR-TASS reports.

Port of the Bulgarian city of Varna. Photo: RIA Novosti

The ships of Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine will moor in the port of the Bulgarian city of Varna, followed by a meeting of the commanders of ships.

The agreement establishing the Black Sea Group, BLACKSEAFOR, on April 2, 2001 in Istanbul was signed by six Black Sea countries: Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia and Turkey.

The main task of the naval group: conducting operations to provide humanitarian assistance, environmental protection, mine clearance, and joint participation in rescue and search operations. The large amphibious Russian ship Yamal is taking part in the exercises, which will last until August 30th.