“Today, we celebrate 16 years since the creation in 1992 of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) initiative. This day gives us the opportunity to review the work carried out in the region since then. In 1999, this initiative evolved into the BSEC Organization, responsible for developing intergovernmental, interparliamentary, economic, business, and scientific cooperation between the countries of the broader Black Sea region. The Organization has been developing its relations with the European Union, thus complementing its bilateral cooperation with each EU member state at a multilateral level. Our country takes an active and constructive part in these developments, which contribute to the consolidation of peace and economic progress for all our neighbouring peoples.

Despite the fact that Greece is not on the Black Sea, it has been closely linked with this region since ancient times. Moreover, it is through the Aegean Sea that the Black Sea meets the Mediterranean. Further reasons for our strong interest in the economic development of our neighbouring countries is the existence – even today – of significant Greek communities in many of the region’s states, and also our close bilateral relations, our considerable investments in the region, and our development assistance. The BSEC is part of this framework. We contribute to the promotion of the BSEC’s work to the best of our abilities, thus providing tangible proof of our country’s role as a factor for stability, security, and prosperity. I would like to express my satisfaction with the fact that this Organization has matured, and that it implements actions aimed at benefiting all the citizens of its member states.

Finally, I would like to welcome the organisation by the International Centre for Black Sea Studies of the annual conference in Athens on the occasion of the BSEC's 16th anniversary, entitled “The broader Black Sea region and the Great Energy Game”. Participants include many leading figures from the wider region of the Black Sea. This event – co-financed by the Foreign Ministry – is further proof of opportunities for cooperation in the financial sector opening up in the region.