Black Sea regional body calls for 'concrete solutions'

ISTANBUL

Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) international secretary Michael Christides has said the body is working to solve regional problems more efficiently but needs “more concrete solutions”.

At an Istanbul meeting of 12 BSEC parliament figures Christides said: “We live in a changing world. We cannot see how the following events, bilateral relations will cause threats and problems in later periods. But dialogue is very essential and we must not forget it.”

Asaf Hajiyev, BSEC secretary general said the Black Sea basin was an attractive region because of the intersection of many international routes and rich natural resources.

“The Black Sea unites us and this region has very high potential for business,” he said.

Hajiyev also wished to reiterate the significance of the BSEC on the occasion of the passing of its chairmanship from Serbia to Turkey.

The Black Sea Economic Cooperation was established in 1992 as a result of the major political changes in the region to boost stronger economic cooperation among member countries.

By Cigdem Alyanak and Gulsum Incekaya; Writing by Hatice Kesgin