Role of the Black Sea region in international politics increases

Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the participants of the St.Petersburg International Economic Forum, in St.Petersburg, Russia, 21 June 2012. Over 5,000 people from 87 countries participate in the St.Petersburg International Economic Forum from 21 to 23 June 2012. EPA/ANATOLY MALTSEV

I would like to extend greetings to the participants and guests of the Meeting of Heads of State and Government held on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

In past years, the BSEC has become an efficient instrument of regional cooperation and has earned profound respect from the international community. Due to the coordinated work of the member states of the organization, the role of the Black Sea region in global politics has been steadily increasing. This tendency is also driven by the region’s unique geopolitical location and its considerable economic and investment potential.

Russia, as a Black Sea state and one of the BSEC’s founding members, is interested in preserving the leading position of the organization. The implementation of joint programs related to the real economy sector should become our common goal. In this respect, of practical importance is the updated “BSEC Economic Agenda” – the roadmap for large-scale business projects in the areas of energy, transport, communications, science and technologies, education, emergency assistance, the fight against terrorism and organized crime.

The Black Sea region initiatives include the development of the Black Sea Ring Highway, reinstatement of regular ferry lines between regional ports, development of multimodal freight and passenger services and interconnection of electric power systems. The implementation of these and other ideas calls for the close cooperation of all member states of the organization and increased coordination of the work of the governments, businesses and societies.

I am convinced that further consolidation of the BSEC will open up broad opportunities to make the Black Sea region stable and prosperous, which corresponds to the interests of our countries and nations.

I would like to wish the participants of the summit success in their work.