Established in 1993 in Istanbul, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation unites 12 member states. The main goal of the organization is to achieve a high level of regional economic cooperation and to turn the Black Sea region into a zone of prosperity, stability and peace.
This implies close cooperation between national parliaments, as well as international support, which will make it possible to effectively use the full potential of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
In world politics, the Black Sea region plays an important role as a bridge between Asia and Europe, being at the crossroads of the main transport routes from the east to the west (the Silk Road) and from the north to the south (the Viking Way). At the same time, the region is rich in energy resources and has important energy routes from Central Asia and the Caspian region, representing rich sources of oil and gas for world markets.
But the main property of the Black Sea region is people living here, having different cultures, traditions and religions, which must live and develop in a safe and secure environment.
The PABSEC’s goal is to become one of the most important regional international organizations that play an important role in the international arena.
Therefore, to achieve its goals, special attention should be paid to strengthening the status of the Assembly and turning the organization into a full-fledged international parliamentary structure.
Successful implementation of global and regional goals requires the strengthening of partnerships. It should be emphasized that achieving common goals is possible only with the active participation of governments, parliaments, workers, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders involved in the transformation process.
Strengthening of cooperation and good-neighborly relations is a condition for ensuring peace and stability not only in our region and in Europe, but throughout the world.
The Assembly intensified contacts with regional and international structures, and also expanded cooperation with the countries of the Asian region. A number of international organizations received observer status in the PABSEC. At the same time, the Assembly was awarded the same status in various international organizations, which helped to find the best solutions to the problems that are currently faced. Recently the PABSEC was awarded the status of an associate member in the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
There are quite a number of conflicts in the region that negatively affect regional economic development. These conflicts must be resolved in the near future, since they entail the suffering of innocent people.
History shows that the opposition does not bring anything good. That is why the strengthening of cooperation and good-neighborly relations becomes important for ensuring peace and stability, which is very important from the point of view of world politics.
We are one family, and we must make our own contribution to building a common future where there is no room for military action, and in this sense the Black Sea should not divide us, but serve as a symbol of unification.
Currently, marking the 25th anniversary of the PABSEC, I wish peace and prosperity to all the peoples living in the Black Sea region.