- Published: 13.06.2024.
State Secretary Matušić attends SEECP summit
The summit gathered presidents, prime ministers, and other high representatives from the thirteen participating SEECP countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey. During the summit, opinions were exchanged on current issues relevant to regional cooperation within the SEECP, resulting in the adoption of a Declaration.
In his address, Matušić emphasized that it is more important than ever to align the policies of the Western Balkan countries with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, especially in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine. He also highlighted that the new geopolitical moment and renewed interest in EU enlargement represent an opportunity for the Western Balkans, welcoming the decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, and Moldova. He pointed out the importance of continued efforts by the Western Balkan countries to meet established criteria, particularly in the areas of democracy and the rule of law.
Regarding Croatia's role in the Process, he reflected on the continuous support for the Western Balkan countries and called for their further commitment to inclusive regional cooperation, resolving open issues, and implementing the necessary reforms to establish a Common Regional Market. He also discussed the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which should contribute to strengthening the rule of law and democracy in the enlargement countries, as well as their better preparedness for EU membership. Additionally, he welcomed the election of the new SEECP Secretary General Amer Kapetanović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and thanked the outgoing Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for her contributions.
Albania will assume the SEECP chairmanship for the 2024-2025 period.
Within the summit, a meeting of the SEECP foreign ministers was also held, focusing on strengthening regional security infrastructure in the context of current challenges, as well as the annual meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council.