site.btaVice President Takes Part in BSEC Summit

Vice President Takes Part in BSEC Summit

Istanbul, May 22 (BTA) - Addressing the 25th Anniversary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the BSEC Member States, Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova said: "The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) should increase its efficiency and become strong enough in order to change the direction towards a real policy of internal regional cooperation." Attending the forum were presidents and prime ministers of Moldova, Greece, Russia, Romania, Georgia and Turkey.

According to Iotova, the BSEC has a potential to turn into an additional factor in connecting the national markets in the region. "The BSEC should prove its importance by initiating specific projects in key spheres of regional cooperation in the Black Sea Region: energy, transport infrastructure, security and the environment," Iotova stressed.

The Vice President noted the importance of relations with the EU, adding that it was time the two organizations engaged in more pragmatic action.

On the other hand, the BSEC countries should show they are sufficiently motivated for regional cooperation and joint implementation of projects instead of relying solely on the EU and NATO to develop the Black Sea Region, said Iotova.

"Bulgaria assumes the Presidency of the EU Council in less than eight months, and one of its priorities will be deepening of the EU's policies towards the countries of the Black Sea Region," she said.

Migration and the refugee wave are key challenges to the region's security, stability and economic development, therefore the individual countries should strengthen their contacts, according to Iotova.

She talked with Moldovan President Igor Dodon at the forum. The administrative regulation of Taraclia District and ways to preserve the identity and rights of the Bulgarian community were on the agenda.

Iotova stressed that Moldova is one of the countries which have created conditions to preserve and develop the cultural and language identity of the Bulgarian community. Dodon assured her that the Bulgarians' rights in Taraclia District would be safeguarded.

The two discussed the possible transformation of Taraclia State University into a branch of a Bulgarian university, which will open the way to granting EU diplomas and will boost the university's prestige in the region.

The opening of a Bulgarian cultural centre in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau was also discussed.

Iotova said she was ready to visit Taraclia District. Dodon invited President Rumen Radev to visit Moldova.