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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

BSEC important element of economic connecting of region

Belgrade, 13 December 2016

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic said today that the only way to achieve sustainable and stable economic development, both in the region and beyond, is through cooperation in areas of common interest and a peaceful settlement of disputes.

Author: Fonet

The official website of the government of Serbia brings excerpts of the opening statement of Dacic at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of member countries of the Organisation for the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

"Distinguished Ministers,

Mr. Secretary General,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to greet you all in Belgrade, which in recent months has become one of the centres of activity of the Organisation for the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and its related bodies.

The Republic of Serbia is finishing its six-month presidency of this organisation and this meeting today is, in fact, its final act which concludes another stage in the work of our organisation.

BSEC belongs to regional international organisations with few members, but still sufficient so that there are often different opinions, which the Republic of Serbia in the role of chair country tried to convert into constructive discussions. The result of all this are documents in front of us that we will adopt today, and Serbia has had the privilege, with the great help of the Permanent International Secretariat, to coordinate the process of harmonisation of texts and their preparation.

Author: Fonet

After nearly a quarter century of existence, BSEC remains an important element of regional economic connection of countries in this part of Europe. Its role is especially relevant in the context of current events in the global economic and political scene, and in the light of the security challenges which the international community is currently facing.

Answering modern challenges requires cooperation, solidarity and responsible behaviour of all actors in the international community. In this regard, BSEC should confirm the leading role as carrier of sustainable and stable economic development, both in the region and beyond. In order to achieve and maintain this objective, the role of our Member States is crucial. The Republic of Serbia is constantly emphasizing that cooperation in areas of common interest and a peaceful settlement of disputes is the only way to achieve that aim.

I think it is unnecessary to emphasize the strategic, infrastructural and economic importance of the Black Sea region. The fact is that this region has huge potential. What we need to discuss is how to use this potential for the benefit of the countries of the region and their citizens, as well as how to contribute to the objectives of global importance, and here I mean first and foremost the realisation of sustainable development goals of the UN to 2030.

I would like to remind you that next year marks 25 years since the founding of the Organisation and the Republic of Serbia is ready to properly mark this important jubilee," Dacic said.