On June 18, Baku hosted the 65th plenary session of the General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC).
In her opening address, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Milli Majlis and Incumbent Chair of PABSEC, emphasized that such events contribute to bringing people closer together and fostering mutual understanding, The Caspian Post reports, citing local media.
She noted that Azerbaijan places great importance on interstate dialogue and international cooperation.
Speaker Gafarova stated that the visionary and strategically successful political course pursued under the leadership of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has enabled the country to host such a significant international event. She also highlighted BSEC’s unique role in promoting regional cooperation.
The PABSEC Chair underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation among parliaments, harmonizing legislative frameworks, contributing to sustainable development, and upholding the rule of law.
Natalia Kiselova, President of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, noted that the Baku-hosted event was aimed at strengthening economic cooperation in the region and promoting interparliamentary dialogue. She described deeper cooperation among BSEC member states as essential for ensuring long-term development and prosperity across the Black Sea region.
Afrim Gashi, President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, identified key priorities for a prosperous and stable future: strengthening multilateral cooperation in combating climate change, preserving democratic values, ensuring the rule of law, promoting people-to-people contacts, and expanding parliamentary diplomacy.
“The Black Sea region is important not only in terms of economic cooperation and security but also as a meeting point of cultures,” said Asaf Hajiyev, Secretary General of PABSEC, during the opening ceremony.
“We are proud to live in a multicultural and multi-religious region. This diversity is one of our most valuable assets - not only a legacy of the past but also a foundation for our future. The Black Sea region represents a rich cultural mosaic blending Turkic, Slavic, Balkan, Southern European, and Latin traditions,” he added.
Hajiyev stressed that this cultural heritage reflects identity and serves as a guide for the future, underscoring the collective responsibility to preserve it and pass it on to future generations. He emphasized that promoting peace, reconciliation, and cooperation requires concrete, practical efforts.
He also expressed gratitude to Speaker Sahiba Gafarova for the excellent organization of the event.
Later, Speaker Gafarova awarded medals to several members in recognition of their contributions: Sofia Voultepsi (Greece), Blagica Lasovska (North Macedonia), Fatih Dönmez (Türkiye), Eldar Ibrahimov (Azerbaijan), and Peter Kanev (Bulgaria).
The PABSEC presidency was then officially transferred from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria. In turn, Bulgarian National Assembly President Natalia Kiselova presented the PABSEC honorary medal to Speaker Sahiba Gafarova.
The session continued with plenary discussions.
Participants agreed that Bulgaria will host the 66th plenary session of the PABSEC General Assembly in November.
