The BSEC’s Council of Foreign Ministers approved Hungary’s application for the partnership status for a term of two years beginning on November 1 this year, said the ministry. The partnership status allows Hungary to establish cooperation with the 12 BSEC member states as well as its related bodies and affiliates.

Hungary will seek cooperation with the organization in areas such as energy transport, public transportation, trade, environmental protection, infrastructure construction, fighting organized crime and fighting illegal migration, said the ministry. The BSEC, initiated by 11 nations in June 1992, covers an area of nearly 20 million square kilometers, with a population of some 350 million people. The Black Sea region boasts the world’s second largest oil and gas reserves following the Persian Gulf. (people.com)