Black Sea trade bloc chief says economic cooperation key to regional security

ANTALYA/ISTANBUL

Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Secretary General Lazar Comanescu has highlighted the role of economic cooperation in strengthening security.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) on Friday, Comanescu emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication during periods of tension between countries, saying: "When talking about security, there is an extremely important economic dimension for security, and through developing economic cooperation, you increase security as well."

Comanescu spoke with Anadolu during the forum, which took place in the resort city of Antalya and featured Anadolu as the event's global communications partner.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the forum, recalling that BSEC was founded 33 years ago with the goal of promoting economic cooperation.

Noting the frequent focus on security and conflict, he reiterated that security “has an extremely important economic dimension.”

Well-chosen’ topics at forum

Comanescu described the Antalya Diplomacy Forum as "at the top of the fora" globally, pointing out that the topics covered were "very well and timely chosen."

He praised the "quality and level" of participants and referred to the theme of "connectivity" during a panel he attended, saying: "(It is) really an honor for me to participate...... it talks about how important it is to ensure good connectivity between the regions of the world."

Praise for Türkiye's BCED chairmanship

Comanescu also discussed BSEC's ongoing role in promoting regional cooperation.
He cited the unanimous adoption of a revised economic agenda for the next 10 years in Dec. 2023, during Türkiye's BCED chairmanship.

He described the move as forward-thinking, saying the agenda reflected "an awareness to think beyond the current situation, to think about tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the future."

"A stable and secure future can only be achieved through cooperation." Economic cooperation is extremely important. That is why we exist as an organization. I hope that the current turbulences can be resolved through negotiations," he said.

He noted that Türkiye, a founding and funding member of BSEC, has consistently and strongly supported the organization's efforts.

Active exchange trade with ‘as little as possible’ trade barriers

Commenting on international trade, Comanescu said there has been a recent rise in protectionist tendencies and called for enabling “an active exchange trade with as few barriers as possible.”

Arguing that globalization will continue, Comanescu said: “In the era of digitalization, scarce resources, and multipolarity, the only way to move ahead constructively is dialogue.”

He expressed optimism that ongoing differences over protectionist and open trade policies can be resolved.