Bulgaria will continue to promote cooperation between EU and the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation

"Bulgaria supports and will continue to promote the further development of cooperation between the European Union and the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), aimed at strengthening the security and sustainable development of the wider Black Sea region. We are convinced that our country's participation in the Organization is an important element and a prerequisite for achieving stability and economic prosperity for the benefit of all citizens of the member states," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva said on November 27 during the 42nd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the BSEC Member States, held in videoconference.

During the discussion, the ministers discussed the achievements of the Organization in the field of economy, the potential for further strengthening of cooperation and efforts to continue reforms to make the Organization more adapted to modern challenges.

Ekaterina Zaharieva stressed the proactive approach of the Romanian rotating presidency of the BSEC, which, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, has managed to maintain a high level of efficiency in the work of the Organization.

"With its priorities, the Romanian presidency of the BSEC has remained focused on its ambitious program to increase economic and social stability in our region," she said.

In her speech, Minister Zaharieva stressed that Bulgaria welcomed the accession of the Republic of North Macedonia to the BSEC and recalled that it became a reality during the Bulgarian presidency of the Organization in 2019.

"This is an example of our consistent policy of deepening and expanding cooperation in the region. We are convinced that we will work together for the further development of the organization and its interaction with the EU, which will contribute to better addressing the common challenges we face," she said.

The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Bulgaria's support for Nadezhda Neynsky's candidacy for the post of BSEC Secretary General, pointing out that the presence of five very strong candidates is proof of the Organization's importance for the member states.