Statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili following her meeting with the BSEC Secretary General

I extend my greetings to the Secretary-General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), Mr Lazar Comanescu. I am pleased to welcome you to Tbilisi and would like to express my sincere appreciation for your visit.

As of 1 January 2026, Georgia has assumed the Chairmanship of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Over the next six months, Georgia, in its capacity as Chair, will lead the work of the Organization and will make every effort to contribute to its effective functioning.

We firmly believe that the security, stability and development of the Black Sea region constitute a pillar of Europe’s prosperity. Today, the Black Sea region faces a range of challenges, particularly in the area of security, which has placed our region at the centre of global political developments. As we seek ways to address these challenges, we must also remain focused on harnessing the opportunities that exist within the region.

Owing to its strategic geographical location and open economic policy, Georgia serves as a key connectivity hub between Europe and Asia. In an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global environment, Georgia remains a constructive and reliable partner, playing a decisive role in shaping global supply chains, energy diversification and the deepening of economic ties.

Our vision is founded on the strengthening of connectivity, with the Middle Corridor conceived not merely as a transport route, but as a secure, fast and efficient economic bridge. Ongoing infrastructure initiatives — including the oil pipeline, the Black Sea submarine cable, Black Sea liquefied natural gas production, the modernisation of the railway system, the construction of the East–West Highway and the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port project — will make a significant contribution to Europe’s shared prosperity.

I would like to take this opportunity to underscore the existing cooperation between Georgia and BSEC. As a founding member of BSEC, Georgia has actively contributed to the promotion of regional dialogue and economic resilience since the organisation’s establishment. Persisting security challenges continue to constitute a significant obstacle to the full realisation of the Organisation’s potential. We must ensure that the Black Sea becomes a connector rather than a divider within our region.

Within the framework of the Chairmanship, we have identified a number of priority areas that will underpin the implementation of planned activities and initiatives. Georgia’s Chairmanship priorities focus on strengthening regional connectivity and promoting the development of the Middle Corridor, ensuring energy security, advancing digitalisation and good governance, and enhancing the region’s tourism potential and cultural ties.

Together with the Secretary-General, we discussed issues related to the functioning of the Organisation, as well as the planned activities and priorities for the next six months, which will define the Organisation’s agenda during Georgia’s Chairmanship.

In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm once again to the Secretary-General Georgia’s readiness, within the framework of its Chairmanship, to support the implementation of the Organisation’s strategic objectives, ensuring that BSEC remains an effective instrument for the development, prosperity and security of the Black Sea region.