On the margins of the ministerial meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) on Friday, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman held a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turković and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoglu.
Grlić Radman underscored that the trilateral was a good format for the exchange of opinions on the current situation in Southeast Europe and for strengthening cooperation. “Our three countries share the same strategic interests in Southeast Europe. A stable and prosperous neighbourhood is in the interest of all sides,” he said.
The three ministers discussed the issue of migration, particularly along the so-called “Balkan Route”. Grlić Radman underlined Turkey’s efforts, adding that Croatia wanted to strengthen cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina in border control. “Ensuring an effective implementation of the readmission and return policies remains a priority, as does fighting illegal immigration and smuggling,” the minister said, stressing the importance of curbing and preventing illegal immigration.
The meeting also discussed the EU journey of Southeast European countries. Grlić Radman underlined Croatia’s strong support for enlargement as the best way to promote democratic values and social standards as well as to integrate Southeast Europe into the single market. In addition, the minister reflected on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement and the issue of changing the electoral law.