Armenia assumed the presidency of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandyan participated in the 37th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization in Kyiv, which was attended by high-ranking delegations of 12 CSTO member states, 13 observer countries and partner organizations.

Armenia took over the chairmanship of the organization’s Kyiv ministerial council.

Speaking at the session of the ministerial council, Edward Nalbandian touched upon the issues on the agenda of the SPC, the cooperation within the framework of the organization and its prospects, the reforms of the SPC and the necessary steps to strengthen the effectiveness of the organization.

Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenia, being committed to the strategic goals of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, reaffirms its support for the economic agenda of the organization, which is aimed at expanding regional cooperation, which stems from the statutory goals of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization.

Referring to Armenia’s presidency in the structure, Foreign Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenia, as the presiding country, will keep the expansion of economic cooperation in the CSTO region in the center of attention for the next six months and will advance the planned agenda through existing mechanisms.

Referring to the process of reforming the SPC, Edward Nalbandian expressed his belief that the SPC needs practical and realistic steps to fulfill its main mission at this stage, noting that the Organization can increase its efficiency through the implementation of decisions and resolutions approved by the Council of Ministers.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasized that the persistent attempts of some member countries of the CSTO to politicize the activities of the Organization affect not only the multilateral economic cooperation of the region, but also the very foundations of the Organization, its main goals, and call into question the authority of the CSTO as an effective regional economic organization.

The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia also added that some unwise attempts within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to engage in some activities separate from the Organization under the guise of reforms contradict the Charter of the Organization, the goals and procedures of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, negatively affecting the reputation of the Organization.

Responding to the speech of the head of the delegation of Azerbaijan, the Armenian Foreign Minister noted that Azerbaijan’s attempts to use the CSTO platform to advance its narrow political interests are hindering the CSTO economic cooperation and it is unlikely to expect achievements within the framework of the Organization if this platform continues to be exploited for propaganda purposes.

Summarizing his speech, Foreign Minister Nalbandyan emphasized. “During its presidency, Armenia will engage in joint efforts aimed at promoting comprehensive regional cooperation and economic interdependence.”