Minister Svetlan Stoev: The European perspective of the countries of Southeast Europe is vital for the stability and security of the region
17 June 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev emphasised the key role of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) as the most significant and comprehensive political format for cooperation in the region, including in view of the countries' aspirations for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Svetlan Stoev headed the Bulgarian delegation in the final meetings of the Turkish rotating presidency of the SEECP on June 17 in Antalya - a meeting of foreign ministers and a meeting of heads of states and governments.
The European perspective of the countries of Southeast Europe is vital for long-term stability and security, stressed Minister Stoev in his speeches to the foreign ministers and leaders of the participating countries. He recalled that the SEECP was initiated in Sofia 25 years ago and confirmed that strengthening relations between the SEECP countries and the EU continues to be a top priority for Bulgaria.
"Sofia has always been among the most active supporters of the European Union enlargement process. Our support is consistent and is based on key principles such as the parties' own merits and the maintenance of good neighbourly relations,” said Svetlan Stoev.
"We clearly understand and believe that a credible prospect of accession is the strongest stimulus for transformation in Southeast Europe. Ensuring confidence in the enlargement process is of paramount importance, but on the other hand, the candidate countries for EU membership must also fulfil their commitments,” said our Foreign Minister.
During the forum, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the leaders of the participating countries reviewed the development of regional cooperation during the Turkish Presidency of the SEECP (1 July 2020 - 30 June 2021) and discussed the possibilities for its further deepening.
"Active and rational cooperation within the existing formats and based on the principles of inclusiveness, regional affiliation and good neighbourliness is crucial for achieving long-term security, stability and prosperity in Southeast Europe," said Minister Stoev.
The agreement on the creation of a Common Regional Market in the Western Balkans, reached at the Sofia Summit in November 2020, as well as the adoption of a comprehensive EU economic and investment plan for the Western Balkans, demonstrating strong support for the region, were highlighted.
Minister Stoev also stressed the need for coordinated cooperation and solidarity to overcome the negative economic and social consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
The state and government heads adopted a declaration from the meeting, marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Process and highlighting its contribution to the security and stability in the region.
The leaders also approved the new 2030 Strategy for Southeast Europe, which builds on the previous strategy, already covering all 13 SEECP countries.
The role of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) as an "operational hand" of the SEECP was emphasised and its leading role in coordinating and drafting the 2030 Strategy was recognised. The annual report of the RCC for the period 2020-2021 was also adopted, and the issue of electing a new Secretary General of the Council was also discussed.
Minister Stoev wished success to the forthcoming Greek presidency of the SEECP and expressed confidence in the future development of regional cooperation.
Republic of Bulgaria is the initiator of the establishment of the South East European Cooperation Process, as a leading political format for dialogue in the region. The initiative was launched at a meeting in Sofia of the Foreign Ministers of the countries of Southeast Europe (6-7 July 1996), which adopted the Sofia Declaration on Good Neighbourly Relations, Stability, Security and Cooperation in the Balkans.
In addition to Bulgaria, the SEECP countries are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Republic of Northern Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, Turkey, Croatia and Montenegro.
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