T眉rkiye is engaging with regional partners in ongoing negotiations over the use and development of natural gas resources in the Black Sea, amid rising geopolitical and economic interest in the Middle Corridor transport route, the head of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) group said.
The remarks came during the 8th International Blue Black Sea Congress, hosted by Marmara University in Istanbul on May 8鈥�9 under the theme 鈥淐onflict Resolution, Sustainability, and Development.鈥� The event gathered academics, officials, NGOs, and private sector representatives to discuss energy, connectivity, environmental sustainability, and regional security.
Lazar Comanescu, secretary-general of the Istanbul-based BSEC, told Anadolu that T眉rkiye has remained a key driver in the organization鈥檚 initiatives over the past three decades, including energy infrastructure, road projects, and regional cooperation.
He said the region鈥檚 relevance has only grown despite ongoing instability, particularly due to the war in Ukraine, now in its third year.
鈥淭眉rkiye continues to make valuable contributions to the organization鈥檚 goals despite the challenges,鈥� Comanescu said. 鈥淭his is something all member states recognize and welcome.鈥�
He emphasized that the Black Sea is a strategic economic hub linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and that interdependence among the region鈥檚 countries will grow in importance.
- Middle Corridor 鈥榗annot work without Black Sea鈥�
Comanescu said the Asia-Pacific region has become the 鈥渆ngine鈥� of the global economy, and that new initiatives are underway to strengthen Europe鈥揂sia connectivity through green and clean energy routes passing through Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary.
鈥淲ithout the Black Sea, the Middle Corridor cannot work,鈥� he said. 鈥淭眉rkiye plays an active role here.鈥�
He linked this strategic push to broader global dynamics, saying trade protectionism has risen since US President Donald Trump took office, prompting the need for more resilient global partnerships. 鈥淧rotectionism means isolation, and isolation hinders progress,鈥� he said.
鈥淲hat is important now is to build resilient interdependencies,鈥� Comanescu added.
He said the BSEC region, comprising 13 countries with a combined population of around 350 million, represents a major economic zone with untapped potential.
鈥淭he better the cooperation in the region, the greater the benefits for member states,鈥� he said.
By Yunus Turk and Emir Yildirim
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr