On December 2, 2013, in the Gala Hall of the Marmara University, Istanbul, has been held the opening ceremony of the symposium “From Caspian Sea to the Black Sea – a strategic view”.
The International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea has been represented at the festive opening by Dr. Ismail Safi, President, and Prof. Dr. Eldar Hasanov, Secretary General and Vice-President.
The organizers of this significant symposium, in which many analysts and scientists from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and other countries have taken part, is the Eurasia Economic Relations Association (EkoAvrasya) and Marmara University.
Among the honorary guests of the ceremony were the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Turkey, Mr. Zhanseit Tuymenbayev, the representative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mr. Samir Jafarov, the deputy secretary general of Entrepreneurs Council of Turkish speaking countries, Mr. Darhan Kydyrali, the rector of the Marmara University Mr. Zafer Gül and other renowned scientists and public figures from the Caspian Sea – Black Sea region.
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Eldar Hasanov, Secretary General of BSCSIF, emphasized the significance of the Caspian Sea both for Europe and Asia, and the many problems that it has ahead. The Caspian Sea still does not have a definitive legal status. The position of the rich in energy resources Caspian Sea is very important as an international transport route which continues the old Silk Road. Mr. Eldar Hasanov has expressed his hope that, with the uncovering of the problems and contribution to their solving, by means of scientific research, and in conformity with the international law, the Caspian Sea will be given a legal status. As well, the Secretary General has introduced to the participants of the symposium the activity and the strategy of the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.
At the end of the festive opening ceremony, the Head of Eurasia Economic Relations Association (EkoAvrasya), Mr. Hikmet Eren, has granted honorary medals and Association Awards to Dr. Ismail Safi, Prof. Dr. Eldar Hasanov and Ambassador Zhanseit Tuymenbayev.
