We regret that Azerbaijan regularly attempts to misuse thematic platforms for multilateral cooperation - Minister of Foreign Affairs

On September 25, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan participated in the informal online meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) titled “Strengthening Cooperation Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Clarifying Innovative Priorities for Action to Be Addressed within the BSEC Framework”.

The meeting, chaired by the Romanian side, featured speeches from the foreign ministers of member countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and Moldova, as well as the deputy ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Also participating was the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, as an invited guest.

The meeting was opened by the Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu, followed by the Secretary-General of the Organization, Michael Christides.

Minister Mnatsakanyan expressed gratitude to his Romanian counterpart for effective leadership and the organization and conduct of the high-level conference on regional cooperation within BSEC, as well as for efforts aimed at advancing agenda items.

In his remarks, the Minister addressed the unprecedented challenges posed by the new coronavirus pandemic, stating that countries must not only unite their efforts to prevent and combat its spread and effects but also take steps towards creating viable and prospective cooperation within the BSEC framework.

The Foreign Minister noted that, considering new regional economic trends and global economic transformations in the post-pandemic period, there is a need to review the BSEC's economic agenda from 2012, aligning it with new trends and a broader global economic agenda, including sustainable development goals, ultimately transforming it into a stronger and more dynamic institution.

According to the Minister, further strengthening BSEC can only be realized through a comprehensive and continuous reform process, demonstrating solid political will from member states.

In his speech, the Minister also reiterated that the BSEC was established and designed as a platform for regional economic cooperation and partnership, and attempts to politicize bilateral disagreements and introduce biased approaches around conflicts into the organization’s agenda are contrary to the organization’s Charter and principles and do not serve its purpose.

“We deeply regret that Azerbaijan regularly attempts to misuse thematic platforms for multilateral cooperation, including the BSEC. It is particularly disappointing that recently Azerbaijan sent a letter containing unfounded and unsubstantiated accusations against us to the international permanent secretariat of the organization. We strongly condemn such attempts and approaches, which are completely unacceptable. This is a disrespect to the organization and to the principles of its membership.

While many nations around the world were fighting against the pandemic, Azerbaijan, in July, began military operations against Armenia, clearly demonstrating why that member state chose not to support the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire due to the COVID-19 outbreak, not just in words but in actions. Moreover, this same member state publicly threatened to strike the Armenian nuclear power plant with missile attacks. This reckless and irresponsible behavior is absolutely incompatible with international law and the core values of civilized humanity.”