ARMENIA PASSES BSEC CHAIRMANSHIP TO AZERBAIJAN
ArmenPress
April 16 2009
Armenia
The 20th session of the council of foreign ministers of the Black
Sea Economic Cooperation summed up today its work in Yerevan. After
the six-month chairmanship Armenia passed it to Azerbaijan which will
chair it till October 31.
In the press conference followed after the session Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan noted that during the passed six
months Armenia exerted efforts, confronted new challenges, global
financial-economic crisis taking the organization forward. About
50 events have been conducted with the General Secretariat of the
organization, member countries, affiliated establishments for the
implementation of programs. During the chairmanship Armenia actively
worked towards boosting relations between BSEC and other international
establishments. Armenian foreign minister wished the coming chairing
country success and effective activity in boosting cooperation between
the member-countries.
"We treat the chairmanship in this institution with great
responsibility. We hope to continue all the processes started in
this organization making them more effective," Azerbaijani deputy
foreign minister Mahmud Mamedguliyev said. According to him, during
the chairmanship among the number of priorities will be the increase
of efficiency. The regional cooperation will be better if there is
stability and atmosphere of peace. Azerbaijan will direct its efforts
towards the increase of the role of the organization; boosting of
cooperation with EU will continue: the experience of EU will be
very useful in respect of development of BSEC institutions. "In
the implementation of our priorities we expect support from BSEC
secretariat and member countries. We want our peoples see the results
of membership to this organization," Mamedguliyev noted.
During the session BSEC Secretary General, re-appointed Leonidas
Krisantopulos, highly underscored cooperation inside the establishment
in the spheres of transport, energy, agriculture, education,
culture, science etc. and the implementation of the projected
programs. According to him, Armenia does not have diplomatic relations
with two of the members of the organization – Turkey and Azerbaijan –
and called on uniting the abilities and establishing friendly relations
between the member states. The secretary general also wished success
to the new chairing country.
Members of BSEC are Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Turkey,
Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine.
The first deputy of the secretary general of the organization became
ambassador Sumru Noyan – becoming the first woman who got a leading
office in the secretariat.