The 21st meeting o the BSEC Foreign Ministers’ Council is to be opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, today.

The meeting will focus on enhancing the role of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), development of partnership with other international and regional organizations, primarily with the United Nations and European Union.

Bulgaria is to take over BSEC chairmanship from Azerbaijan to chair the organization from November 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov is to make an opening speech. The Armenian delegation is headed by RA Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirkosyan.

Security measures have been intensified in Baku in connection with the meeting.

Established on May 1, 1999, BSEC comprises 12 states: Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.