BSEC Secretary General in Chișinău: There is a very important economic dimension of security, which can be strengthened only through cooperation

There is a very important economic dimension of security, which can be strengthened only through cooperation. If we seek and want peace, security, and prosperity in the region, then there is no alternative other than cooperation. Lazăr Comănescu, Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) made the statements at the Black Sea Security Conference held today in Chișinău.

In the context of the war in neighboring Ukraine, the official emphasized that consolidated efforts must be undertaken to restore peace in the region, and this must be done only with full respect for the law, the sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of states.

Lazăr Comănescu underlined the role of economic cooperation in the context of the need to ensure peace and security.

“There is a very important economic dimension of security, which can be strengthened only through economic cooperation. The economic dimension of security includes issues such as trade, transport routes, electricity supply, food security, and critical infrastructure. The Black Sea region itself is a critical energy corridor and a transport hub connecting north and south, east and west,” said the BSEC Secretary General.

At the same time, the official stressed that “it is necessary for the regional cooperation mechanism to remain flexible and capable of responding effectively in times of crisis.”

According to him, regional platforms must evolve from consultative formats to operational frameworks so that there can be rapid consultations and coordinated actions in cases of necessity.

“Long-term stability can be achieved only through dialogue, economic operations, and mutual understandings. If we seek and want peace, security, and prosperity in the region, there is no alternative other than cooperation,” explained Lazăr Comănescu.

The official also referred to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, highlighting the need for cooperation and the identification of projects with shared potential.

The Republic of Moldova is hosting today the Security Conference in the Black Sea region, under the aegis of the International Crimea Platform. The meeting is co-organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, with the support of the European Union.

The Black Sea regional security conference is at its third edition. The event continues the dialogue launched in Bucharest in 2023 and in Sofia in 2024, in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.