OSCE Baku conference focuses on enhancing transport security and co-operation

BAKU, 16 March 2006 - The role of transport in promoting regional co-operation and security is the focus of an OSCE conference that opened today in Baku.

It brought together over 180 participants, representing governments, international and non-governmental organizations, the private industry and academia. They will review existing initiatives and activities in the area of transport security, and identify gaps and niches for future OSCE involvement.

The two-day event was organized in preparation for the 14th OSCE Economic Forum that will take place in May.

"Transportation security can be achieved only through a joint policy, which would involve economic, political and organizational measures," said Abid Sharifov, Azerbaijan's Deputy Prime Minister.

Frank Geerkens, representing the Belgian OSCE Chairmanship, said the OSCE was well placed to identify political problems, promote dialogue and networking and act as a catalyst for co-operation. "To make transport more secure while remaining cost efficient and competitive requires international co-operation and the respect for commonly agreed standards."

Bernard Snoy, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, said: "Given the vast expanse of the Eurasian continent, inland transport security considerations are of special interest to the OSCE. As a platform for dialogue, the OSCE can strengthen trust and confidence and create political leverage, which is exactly where its comparative advantage and added value lies."

He also emphasized the link between good governance, the proper functioning of borders, trade expansion and security considerations.

The Baku conference was jointly organized by the Belgian OSCE Chairmanship and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, with support from the Government of Azerbaijan and the OSCE Office in Baku.

The 14th OSCE Economic Forum 'Transportation in the OSCE area: Secure transportation networks and transport development to enhance regional economic co-operation and stability' is being held for the first time in two stages. The first part took place on 23 and 24 January in Vienna and the second part will take place from 22 to 24 May in Prague.

For regular updates on the preparations for the 2006 OSCE Economic Forum, please visit www.osce.org/eea.