The Black Sea region is becoming “bigger than ever” from a geopolitical point of view, said Prime Minister Nicolae Chuke, attending the 6th Black Sea and Balkan Security Forum on Friday.

He clarified that freedom of movement and navigation, freedom of trade must be protected in special situations.

“The Black Sea region is now becoming bigger than ever, not only in the classical, military, security sense, but especially from a broad geopolitical point of view. This has implications on many levels: security, energy, supply chain security. , infrastructure, interconnection, cyber security. In these areas, the consecration of this region in the national strategies of the allies or the EU is justified and reflected in the most concrete way. And maritime security is focused on freedom of movement and navigation and freedom of trade, which should also protect them in special situations, for example, during war,” said the prime minister.

Nikolae Chuke welcomed the initiative, which was “strongly supported by the US Congress” to strengthen the American strategy in the Black Sea.

“The strategic partnership with the USA has determined the thinking about a new strategy dedicated to the Black Sea. The initiative to strengthen the American strategy in the Black Sea, which is strongly supported in the US Congress, should be welcomed. The increase in US strategic investments in supporting the stability and freedom of choice of partner states is becoming more and more visible. Eloquent examples are France or Great Britain, as well as other countries,” he added.

The Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum is organized by the New Strategy Center with the support of the NATO Public Diplomacy Division and in partnership with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His work is carried out at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. The Prime Minister participates in the first session dedicated to the war in Ukraine and security challenges in the Black Sea and Balkan regions.