Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Babakov met with BSEC Secretary General Lazar Comanescu

On 9 December 2021, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Babakov Babakov
Alexander Mikhailovich held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Lazar Comanescu.

Alexander Babakov recalled that Russia had taken over chairmanship of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) for next six months. One of the priorities of Russia’s chairmanship would be close cooperation on many issues.

“We will do everything possible to organize the constructive work of legislators. We are ready to discuss any issues aimed at improving the dialogue between the countries, creating favorable conditions for economic, political and other types of cooperation. The only thing we ask for is the absence of politicization of the issues that should be discussed,” stressed the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma.

Lazar Comanescu noted vital importance of Russia’s contribution to the work of the organization.

The BSEC Secretary General also stressed the need to enhance cooperation between Russia and other member states. The organization had already achieved good and important results, but there are still several issues that should be addressed. Lazar Comanescu also supported Russia’s proposal not to politicize the BSEC activities.

“We know there are various sensitivities. There are different opinions of the member states, but BSEC is not the platform where such issues should be discussed. There are other platforms for that. We need to focus on trade development, environmental protection, transport, tourism and other areas,” he said.

Speaking about tourism, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Babakov addressed his foreign colleagues: “Perhaps we should think about the steps that we can take to recognize vaccines certificates, I mean, recognition of Sputnik V on the territory of the countries, which we are talking about now that would help to strengthen tourism”.

The Deputy Chairman of the State Duma is convinced that such approach would likely be supported by the business community and citizens of all member states.

The Chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Development of Civil Society, Issues of Public Associations and Religious Organizations Olga Timofeyeva Timofeyeva
Olga Victorovna and the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans' Affairs Nikolay Kolomeitsev Kolomeitsev
Nikolay Vasilievich also took part in the meeting.