During 15 years of its dynamic existence, the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) has provided its value as a framework of regional cooperation.

During its Presidency in BSEC, which begins on November 1, 2007, Ukraine would strive to ensure continuation of large-scale transportation projects, enhance regional security, promote international dialogue and establish a free trade zone in the Black Sea area in accordance with the rules and procedures of the World Trade Organization. Our mission is to promote the idea of dynamic and multilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural area of the Black Sea region. We also see great perspective in implementing joint projects with the European Union in many mutually important areas.

Ukraine is committed to the Charter functions of BSEC on acceleration of effective multilateral economic cooperation and sustainable development, good governance and institutional renewal, international and regional, sub-regional cooperation. We are already actively engaging into the BSEC activities. On October 31, 2007, the official presentation of the Black Sea Trade and Investment Promotion Programme took place in Kyiv. Ukraine is planning to launch an initiative to hold during its BSEC Chairmanship in November 2007 in Kyiv the International Conference on “Security and Stability in the Black Sea Region”. Within the Black Sea Ring Highway, BSEC will have unique opportunity to pursue comprehensive projects in transportation sector.

We are looking forward to actively cooperate with Member States and all partners of BSEC, and bring more emphasis to the work of the Organization in the UN Headquarters. Ukraine would welcome new ideas and proposals, and is planning to facilitate the constructive dialogue with all interested parties.