ArmInfo. On June 28, Deputy MInister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan participated and delivered remarks at the 48th online meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan presented the priorities of Armenia's Chairmanship-in- Office in BSEC ?rganization to be assumed on July 1, stressing the commitment of the Republic of Armenia to support constructive dialogue and the exchange of best practices within the BSEC framework.
The Deputy Foreign Minister in his remarks, particularly, noted:
"Distinguished Secretary General, Excellences, Dear Colleagues,
I would like to start by expressing my appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Albania for leadership of the Organization during their tenure and for efforts to advance dialogue and cooperation in the framework of the BSEC. Our sincere thanks extend also to the Secretary-General, H.E. Lazar Comanescu, and the BSEC PERMIS staff for their work in strengthening the efficiency of the Organization and support, extended to the member states.
I am confident that the effective realization of the core objectives of the BSEC, notably promoting inclusive regional economic cooperation and trade facilitation is essential for maintaining regional peace and stability.
As Armenia is assuming the Chairmanship-in-Office of the BSEC, I would like to reiterate our commitment to support constructive dialogue and the exchange of best practices to enhance regional economic cooperation, in accordance with the Organization's statutory objectives.
We also stress the importance of a project-oriented approach across all BSEC areas, as outlined in the BSEC Economic Agenda. Armenia will continue to support initiatives within the BSEC mandate, including through the Project Development Fund.
Last but not least, the Armenian Chairmanship will advocate for stronger collaboration and coordination between the BSEC Organization and its related bodies, aiming to improve their synchronization, complementarity, and overall harmonization of activities. Distinguished colleagues,
The economy of the Republic of Armenia has seen significant growth in recent years. Armenia's economy has expanded by nearly 30 percent, with state budget revenues surging by over 91 percent. Additionally, approximately 200,000 new jobs were created, reflecting an increase of around 37 percent in the total number of jobs. The GDP per capita has nearly doubled. There is a significant growth in the foreign trade turnover with several BSEC Member States.
Alongside these impressive and encouraging figures on economic growth, we are compelled to note that unprecedented challenges for regional peace and security remain in place, seriously undermining the progress in achieving sustainable socio-economic development in the Black Sea region.
On its part, Armenia is committed to normalizing relations with its neighboring countries. As a landlocked developing country with its borders from East and West in blockade for over three decades, Armenia fully realizes the importance of promoting inclusive and equitable regional and cross-border connectivity, in accordance with international law.
It is with this understanding that my country has engaged constructively in peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, on a basis of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and conduction of a delimitation process based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration, and opening of regional communications with respect for each state's sovereignty and jurisdiction, guided by principles of equality and reciprocity, as agreed upon by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels in May and July 2023. Armenia is sincerely committed to finalizing the negotiations and signing the Agreement within one month and we call on Azerbaijan to reciprocate the constructive approach without creating artificial obstacles.
Armenia is also committed to normalizing its relations with Turkiye and reopening land borders. In this vein we stand ready to undertake all necessary steps to operationalize the agreements reached by Special Representatives with the view to sustain the current positive momentum and advance further for the benefit of the two countries and the region as a whole.
Excellences,
Being fully committed to establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus, unlocking the potential of the region to foster economic and cultural exchanges between East and West, and South and North through the promotion of trade and transport links, Armenia has presented the initiative of "Crossroad of Peace."
As part of our peace agenda, this project aims to enhance communications between countries of the region by renovating, building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and electricity lines, thus opening up new opportunities for the movement of cargo, goods, and citizens and significantly enhancing our region's integration into global transportation networks. We are convinced that the "Crossroad of Peace" initiative can bring enormous benefits to all countries of the Black Sea region.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Armenia's commitment to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the Organization, aimed at achieving innovative and sustainable development.
We are confident that regional economic cooperation guided by the principles outlined in the BSEC Charter can contribute to enhancing peace, stability, prosperity and well-being of people in the Black Sea region.
Thank you."
Following the meeting, a number of resolutions and decisions were adopted.
The BSEC member states wished success to Armenia on the occasion of its upcoming Chairmanship-in- Office.
