The 35^th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), chaired by Serbia in the first half of 2010, closed today. The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia hosted the conference from 1 to 3 June. The NARS Speaker Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic, who chaired the PABSEC, ceremonially handed the gavel- symbol of chairmanship, to Nevzat Pakdil, Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The Republic of Turkey shall chair the PABSEC for the rest of 2010.

Expressing pleasure at the Serbian National Assembly’s hosting of the PABSEC, the NARS Speaker emphasised that the gathering confirmed the importance of the role parliaments play in the observance of international law.

“I believe that the session was successful both as regards the exchange of experiences and deepening of parliamentary cooperation”, said the Assembly Speaker adding that she believed the Serbian delegation would continue to contribute to the PABSEC’s efforts and that the good cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and PABSEC, as well as PABSEC member states would continue in the future.

About 140 parliamentary representatives of 12 countries of the wider Black Sea region took part in the conference.

PABSEC is one of four related bodies of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and represents an important forum for cooperation of the member states’ parliaments with the task of stimulating and developing cooperation on creating and strengthening a favourable political and economic climate in the region. Serbia enjoys full membership since October 2004.