Speaker of the GNAT, Mustafa Şentop, in his speech at the opening of the 61st General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), held with the theme ‘The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Changing Global Dynamics: Development, Peace, Stability’, reminded that the earthquake disaster on February 6 affected a large area and caused unprecedented destruction.

Stating that after this disaster, Türkiye's friends rushed to the aid of the Turkish people and showed a great example of solidarity, Speaker of the GNAT, Şentop said, ‘Both the in-kind and in-cash aid you sent and the work of the teams you sent for search and rescue activities helped alleviate our suffering to a certain extent. This valuable solidarity and help you have shown in this process has been appreciated by the Turkish people. Hereby, I would like to thank you all.’

Noting that parliamentary diplomacy has become a very important dimension of diplomacy today, especially for democratic countries, Şentop stated that this has made very important contributions to the solution of regional and global problems in terms of ensuring security, peace, stability and prosperity in the international arena.

For this reason, Şentop stated that the theme of the 61st General Assembly was ‘The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Changing Global Dynamics: Development, Peace, Stability’, and said, ‘We believe that the role of parliaments and parliamentarians should be highlighted within the changing global dynamics, taking into account the current developments and challenges both in the Black Sea Basin and on a global scale. We think that our parliaments have additional roles and responsibilities that they can play in consolidating peace, prosperity and stability in our region.’

Speaker Şentop stated that the importance of parliamentary diplomacy has emerged more clearly, especially when the recently changing geopolitical dynamics in the region are taken into account, and continued his words as follows:

"It is more urgent requirement than ever before that we resolve the problems in our region by displaying a common will and acting in cooperation. Solving the problems in the region through diplomatic mechanisms and dialogue is essential for ensuring development, peace and stability not only in the countries of the region, but also in the European continent and on a global scale. Establishing peace and stability in our region and ensuring sustainable development depend primarily on building political trust. For this, it is necessary to prevent prejudices and misperceptions and to keep dialogue channels open."

Hoping that the work within the scope of the 61st PABSEC General Assembly will produce concrete results for the development, prosperity and peace of the countries and the region, Speaker of the GNAT, Şentop wished that their work would contribute to the strengthening of ties and peace between member states and peoples.

After the speech of Speaker Şentop, a family photo was taken. The meeting then continued closed to the press.