Armenia committed to constructive cooperation within BSEC to advance  peace and stability in Black Sea Region and beyond - Armenian FM 

ArmInfo. Below is a statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and BSEC Chair-in-Office at the 49th Meeting of the BSEC CMFA.

Excellences,

Secretary General, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I warmly welcome you at the 49th Meeting of the Council of Ministers  of Foreign Affairs in my capacity as the Chair- in-Office.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the Permanent  International Secretariat of BSEC under the able leadership of His  Excellency Lazar Comanescu for their continuous support to the  Armenian Chair-in-Office throughout our tenure.

During the past semester, under the slogan of the Armenian  Chairmanship-in-Office, the triad of "Engagement, Outreach,  Resilience", we have done our best to emphasize the importance of the  effective realization of the core BSEC statutory objectives. In the  face of evolving challenges, we spared no effort to promote  constructive and inclusive dialogue, and strengthen economic and  cultural ties between the countries of the BSEC region. 

We supported open political dialogue and exchange of best practices  as a way to advance equitable regional cooperation for sustainable  development of the BSEC Member States and better livelihoods of their  populations. 

During this term, about thirty meetings of the subsidiary organs have  been convened. As a Country-Coordinator of the BSEC Working Groups on  Culture, and Information and Communication Technologies, and Incoming  Coordinator of the BSEC Working Groups on Cooperation in Tourism,  Armenia has consistently promoted result-oriented cooperation among  the Member States in these fields. In spite of all the challenges and  disagreements that BSEC Member States may harbor, we strived towards  the resumption of active dialogue almost in all areas of our shared  interests.

We should also register a number of achievements important for the  functioning of this Organization:

- Member States have been able to agree on the budget of the  Organization for the financial year 2025;

- The 2025 BSEC budget is complemented with an agreed amendment to  the Regulations for the Staff;

- The Steering Committee of the Project Development Fund is expected  to examine a new Project, thus consolidating the BSEC project  activities;

- The BSEC Troika continued to work and coordinated the current and  prospective activities of the BSEC.

Given the complex geopolitical situation in which the BSEC is  operating, these are landmarks not to be neglected.  In the context  of possible BSEC reforms, the Member States may also consider  extending the term of a Chairmanship- in-Office from six months to a  full year. In the current circumstances, it would suffice to convene  a Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs once a  year with more practical and result-oriented discussions.

Distinguished colleagues,

Any Chairmanship can move as fast as all and any Member State of an  arrangement concerned. The BSEC region is ravaged by an ongoing war,  and numerous conflicts and disagreements. These are impediments that  are not easy to overcome, with a direct impact on the functioning of  this Organization. Armenia, as a Chair, felt it firsthand as we came  to a point when we encountered difficulties even with adoption of an  agenda for a meeting. It is obvious that the BSEC region needs peace,  which should be at least manifested through the absence of active  military hostilities, lasting ceasefires and active efforts to  de-escalate.

The Government of Armenia is determined to continue its efforts to  reach the desired goals of peace, security, stability and  cooperation. Continuous and sincere dialogue, revitalizing trade and  economic ties as well as ensuring inclusiveness in regional  initiatives and projects are essential prerequisites for overcoming  existing contradictions and achieving better cooperation, development  and prosperity of our countries.

Against the backdrop of the fragile geopolitical situation we more  than ever need to shape a way to better economic connectivity, which  will allow us to establish pragmatic trade arrangements built on  shared interests in various fields, such as energy, transport and  trade. We need, furthermore, to enhance intercultural and  people-to-people exchanges.

Driven by the firm belief that regional dialogue is key to  establishing mutually beneficial collaboration, the Government of  Armenia has introduced the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative. Guided  by the vision of inclusiveness and equitable use of regional  infrastructure and building a prosperous future for all interested  parties, this project aims at the development of communications  between the countries of the region with full respect for the state  sovereignty and territorial integrity, and principles of equality and  reciprocity.

You are most probably aware of the recent discussions in this regard  in our immediate neighborhood: with Turkiye we have already agreed to  jointly assess the technical requirements for the border crossing by  the Gyumri-Kars railway, while at the same time we have proposed to  Azerbaijan modalities of relaunching our rail infrastructure,  simplifying border crossing and customs procedures and providing some  additional insurance mechanisms.

By placing a significant emphasis on building mutual trust and  possible enhanced connectivity as the foundation for peace, the  "Crossroads of Peace" Project has the potential to foster regional  cooperation on multiple fronts. It could efficiently link the Gulf,  the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, thus significantly contributing to  the integration of our region into global transport chains and  bringing enormous benefits to all countries of our region. The  Project has already received positive reactions from numerous  international partners, and we will continue our efforts to  consolidate further support towards its implementation.

Dear colleagues, 

Open borders, unconstrained, free and inclusive regional economic  cooperation are the key objectives of this Organization. Armenia is  committed to constructive and efficient cooperation within the BSEC  to advance peace and stability in the Black Sea Region and beyond.

We wish success to Azerbaijan as the incoming Chair.

I thank you.