By Daisy Ayliffe - 4th June 2006
The Black Sea Forum for dialogue and partnership was launched in Bucharest on Monday.
The gathering was the first in a series of events designed to up the profile of the Black Sea region.
“The Black Sea Forum intends to offer a platform for dialogue which should promote the regional interests,” Romanian diplomats told reporters.
Romanian ambassador to the EU, Lazar Comanescu said the forum will help an enlarged Europe secure its eastern borders.
“The external border to the east will be both Romania and the EU’s border when we join next year.”
“Romania can do a lot to help the EU in this area. We have been a contributor to stability in both the western Balkans and eastern Europe as a whole.”
The Black Sea region is beset by social problems – including trafficking of people, arms and drugs.
“But the area also represents an opportunity,” Comanescu added.
“Together we can solve these problems and tackle energy and environmental issues.”
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