NEWS

Bulgarian President Hosts South-East European Cooperation Process Summit and Hands over Presidency to Romania

 

The ambition of the countries of the South-East European Cooperation Process is to make the region a model for strategic autonomy for the whole of Europe through joint efforts, stated President Iliana Iotova. After the end of the SEECP Summit, which was held at the National Palace of Culture. The Head of State hosted the closing event of the Bulgarian chairmanship of the format, uniting 13 countries, which our country initiated in 1996. The high-level forum in Sofia marked 30 years since the establishment of SEECP.

 

Within the framework of the joint statements of Albania, Bulgaria and Romania – the previous chairman of the format, the current host and the one taking over the chairmanship of the SEECP, the Bulgarian head of state highlighted the importance of the format for the development of the region. The most important thing that was emphasised by everyone today is that we cannot do anything in the future if we are not together and if there is no dialogue, said Iliana Iotova. She highlighted the readiness to actively work to guarantee security and stability in the region against the background of the challenges and conflicts that surround it. We will continue to work for Southeastern Europe to be the region in Europe and in the world that is maximally connected also in the field of energy, transport and new digital technologies, Iliana Iotova emphasized.

 

Our greatest goal is to bring our peoples closer together and unite them. Only in this way, can there be prosperity and a good legacy for the generations that come after us. This is our great responsibility, the head of state pointed out. President Iotova highlighted the closeness of the countries in Southeastern Europe, giving an example of the story told in the documentary Whose Song Is This? by director Adela Peeva about a song that, although it has different names, sounds the same in the countries of the region.

 

The head of state handed over the SEECP chairmanship to Bucharest by presenting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Oana Toiu, with a statuette with a compass. The one-year Bulgarian chairmanship of the SEECP was held under the motto "Compass towards stability, security and sustainability". Let this compass be a symbol of direction, wisdom and ability, as well as your guide in finding the right path, even in the most challenging times we live in, said the head of state. Iliana Iotova also emphasized the close good-neighbourly relations between Bulgaria and Romania, connected not only by a common border, but also by shared responsibility for the future of the region. According to President Iotova, Bulgaria and Romania prove that when countries are guided by mutual respect, trust and a common goal, they can achieve significant results. May our partnership continue to be an example of successful cooperation and inspiration for other countries in the region, said Iliana Iotova.

 

Minister Toiu highlighted Bulgaria's efforts to organise the 30th meeting within the framework of the format and pointed out that over these three decades, relations between the SEECP participating countries have improved significantly. As priorities for the Romanian presidency, she highlighted the common regional market, security and economic cooperation in the region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania highlighted the key role of young people and civil society in the format countries for the functioning of the rule of law, respect for human rights and maintaining the individuality of the countries in the context of the common European identity.

 

Deepening cooperation in Southeastern Europe is a necessity, said the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, in his speech, and stressed that this is the most effective way to create better living conditions in the region. The Albanian President stated that the European perspective of the Western Balkans is very important for the stability of the entire region. Bajram Begaj congratulated Bulgaria for the efforts made in organising the anniversary Summit.