BSEC FMs’ council meeting discusses importance of Black Sea

Georgia, Tbilisi, June 13 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia / Belgrade hosted the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the member countries of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Organisation. As reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Georgian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister David Jalagania. In his speech Jalagania stressed the role of the BSEC in the development of economic cooperation in the region noting the importance of deepening trade relations as a prerequisite for successful economic cooperation in the region. Jalagania also stressed the importance of the Black Sea region in the transportation of Caspian and Central Asian energy carriers to Europe. The head of the Georgian delegation noted energy projects existing within the Southern Gas Corridor, which is a good opportunity to diversify Europe's energy supply. The deputy minister noted that the conflicts existing in the BSEC countries and political differences hinder the development of successful economic cooperation. He expressed the hope that the BSEC will pay attention to the normalisation of relations between the member countries of the organisation and develop effective consultation mechanisms to resolve them. The Council of Ministers discussed the draft Istanbul Declaration in connection with the 20th anniversary of BSEC, financial matters, working groups, the issue of updating the BSEC observer status and prospects for cooperation with the European Union. As part of the visit, Jalagania also held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Zdravko Ponos. Both sides discussed bilateral relations and regional cooperation. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az