Address by the President of the Republic of Armenia on the Summit dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization

I cordially congratulate us all on the 20th anniversary of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization. Through the time, the Organization has managed to withstand the test of time and overcome multiple global and regional challenges, establishing itself as a reputable structure which promotes multilateral regional economic cooperation. The projected and ongoing economic initiatives in the framework of the Organization considerably promote the economic development of the region, enhancing at the same time a peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the nations living in the region. I am confident that it is essential to undertake continuous joint efforts and manifest political will to accomplish this mission.

At this fateful moment, we are talking about a new, comprehensive and long-term economic agenda of the BSEC which is aimed at the enhancement of the Organization’s international standing and repute, economic cooperation in the region and as well as further advancement of the social and economic development in the member states.

I would like to reiterate that Armenia continues to adhere to the principles and goals enshrined in the Charter of the Organization, and always faithfully implements all decisions adopted by the Organization, agreements and memoranda signed by the member states. I am confident that in the face of the thorny problems existing in the region, further enhancement of the multilateral economic cooperation in the framework of the BSEC will inevitably result in the facilitation of the political dialogue between the member states and establishment of the regional security.

There can be no implementation of the economic programs in the multilateral or bilateral format under the closed borders. Unimpeded contacts and open borders, a free movement of resources and equal conditions for competition remain the main prerequisites for the development of the contemporary economic relations. The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization has adopted all these provisions, and we have to ensure their successful implementation.

I once again convey my congratulations on the occasion of the Organization’s jubilee, and I would like to call upon the member states to spare no effort to advance economic cooperation and to fully use the potential of the BSEC to further the prosperity of the region.