Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 September (BelTA) – Member states of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) are interested in Belarus’ accomplishments in agriculture and manufacturing sector. Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) Asaf Hajiyev made the statement after meeting with Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich on 14 September, BelTA has learned.

In particular, Asaf Hajiyev noted that there are plans to arrange a BSEC business forum in Minsk in 2018 (possibly in May). Belarus enjoys an observer status in the BSEC. Apart from that, an international conference dedicated to the Belt and Road initiative will be organized under the aegis of the forum. “We believe cooperation with your country is important,” assured the PABSEC secretary general.

Asaf Hajiyev pointed out that Belarus is interesting for the BSEC countries primarily thanks to its experience in the manufacturing sector and agriculture. Apart from that, tourism is actively developing in Belarus. “The three components make Belarus very attractive for Black Sea countries and other countries of the world,” believes Asaf Hajiyev. In his words, the future business forum will help the BSEC member states as well as observers and partners to come to terms on concrete projects and make steps to establish contacts.

The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization comprises 12 countries. It has been established with a view to promoting cooperation, peace, stability, and prosperity in the Black Sea area. The member states are Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The observers are Austria, Belarus, Germany, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, the USA, France, Tunisia, Croatia, Czechia, and other countries.

The BSEC was established at the summit in Istanbul, Turkey on 25 June 1992.