BSEC-URTA Secretary General Highlights Key Transport Initiatives at PABSEC Meeting in Baku
The 65th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) was held in Baku on June 18-19, 2025, hosted by Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis.
BSEC-URTA Secretary General Mehmet Uylukçu outlined significant achievements in Black Sea transport, including the expanded BSEC Permit system, now covering 5,000 quotas and featuring a 2025 barcode validation system. Azerbaijan’s inclusion with 300 transit quotas was noted as a key milestone.
Mehmet Uylukçu expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani authorities and the BSEC-URTA member organization ABADA for their pivotal role in integrating Azerbaijan into the BSEC Permit system. He highlighted this significant step as a milestone, emphasizing that Azerbaijan’s strategic geographic position serves as a vital bridge for the system’s expansion both westward and eastward, underscored that this development not only enhances regional connectivity but also strengthens Azerbaijan’s role as a critical logistics hub within the Black Sea region and beyond.
Uylukçu emphasized border facilitation efforts, such as dedicated transit lanes and joint customs controls, and advocated for EU recognition of drivers as essential professionals. He also highlighted digitalization initiatives like e-TIR and e-CMR systems.
The session featured remarks from Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, President of PABSEC and Chairperson of the Milli Majlis, and participation from regional delegations and officials, including Ms. Nataliya Kiselova, President of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, Mr. Afrim Gashi, President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, along with Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, the Secretary General of PABSEC, who stressed the Black Sea region’s cultural diversity and strategic importance.
The PABSEC presidency was then officially transferred from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria, marking a new chapter in BSEC-URTA collaboration.
