Baku Hosts 65th PABSEC Assembly on regional cooperation

The 65th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) convened in Baku on 18 June, bringing together parliamentary delegations and international representatives to discuss regional cooperation and sustainable development.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan and acting PABSEC President Sahiba Gafarova, addressed the opening session stressing the role of such gatherings in strengthening mutual understanding among nations. She noted that Azerbaijan prioritizes dialogue, peace, and international cooperation, and described Baku as a growing hub for regional exchange and partnership.

Gafarova also underscored the importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration, legislative harmonization, and upholding the rule of law.

Speakers of the national assemblies of Bulgaria and North Macedonia — Nataliya Kiselova and Afrim Gashi — as well as PABSEC Secretary General Asaf Hajiyev, also took the floor highlighting the need for stronger regional ties, peace, security, and infrastructure development. Emphasis was placed on improving transportation links and promoting eco-friendly transport solutions in the Black Sea region.

As part of the session, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova was presented with the PABSEC “Honour” medal in recognition of her contributions to the organization. The PABSEC Presidency was officially handed over to the Bulgarian National Assembly for the next term.

Throughout the General Assembly’s sessions, delegates reviewed reports on the organization’s work in economic, legal, social, and humanitarian areas. Discussions also addressed key topics such as strengthening connectivity in the region through sustainable transport infrastructure, combating organized crime, and expanding access to education and employment for people with disabilities.

The Assembly concluded with the adoption of key decisions and confirmation of the agenda and date for the upcoming autumn session.

The event gathered delegations from Azerbaijan, Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Greece, alongside representatives from organizations such as TURKPA, BSEC, BSTDB, and other international institutions.

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