Distinguished Participants,

The strategic importance of oil and natural gas as indispensable inputs for the development of countries has been gradually increasing in the world politics. Unfortunately, the contribution of these natural resources is also the causes of problems such as environmental pollution and global warming related to carbondioxide emissions. There is no other energy resource cleaner, more widespread and more environmentally friendly than natural gas is available for humanity yet. Therefore, usage of natural gas will increase and become more widespread.

Increase in the prices of oil and natural gas and decreasing production costs in parallel to developing technology have made Black Sea Basin, which is considered to have significant oil potential along with natural gas, the focus of attention of international oil companies. The recent discoveries are the evidence of the fact that expectations regarding the potential of Black Sea are apposite.

International “Black Sea Oil and Gas Summit” (BSOGS 2007) to be organized in İstanbul will undoubtedly accelerate the availability of these resources during the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Organization term presidency (May 1st – October 31st, 2007) of Turkey which has become an “Energy Hub” due to the stability, experience and qualified manpower along with her strategic location.

This event will increase the opportunities of cooperation for the countries in scientific and economic terms by bringing together academicians, bureaucrats and representatives of the sector. It will also ensure that international oil companies establish relations with BSEC member states and therefore provide a significant platform for these companies to invest in the region.

High level of national and international participation to the Summit is expected. Moreover, it is aimed that the leading service companies and manufacturers in each and every link of the sectoral chain starting from exploration to the end-users exhibit the devices and tools produced by means of their experience, human resources and the state-of-the-art technology.

Apart from the significant activities of the Summit mentioned above, presentations to be made by invited speakers on exploration, production, drilling, transportation, refinery and also economic, political and environmental problems; and the exchange of opinions will ensure an access to the first-hand information that will always put you one step further.

We will be honored to see you at Black Sea Oil and Gas Summit on September 5-6th, 2007.

We hope to meet you in Istanbul where the continents meet...

Mehmet Uysal
President of the Organizing Committee