The
summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) ended
in Sofia with a common message for more regional unity, security,
connectivity and a European perspective for the countries of the
region, BGNES has reported.
The
forum marked 30 years since the establishment of SEECP, initiated by
Bulgaria in 1996. The meeting was the final stage of the Bulgarian
presidency of the format, which the country received from Albania last
year. At the forum, Bulgaria handed over the presidency to its
northern neighbour Romania.
After
the end of the meeting, joint statements were issued by the heads of
the delegations of Albania, Bulgaria and Romania.
President
Iliana Iotova said that it is up to the countries in the region to
ensure that the format acquires a clearer practical dimension.
Albanian
President Bajram Begaj said that Tirana is working for the EU
enlargement in the Western Balkans and Albania is striving to be part
of the EU by the end of the decade.
Romanian
Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said that 30 years ago it would hardly
have seemed possible for the countries of the region to reach their
current level of security, economic development and ability to
overcome their differences in the name of common goals. She noted
that the meeting discussed trade, investment and connectivity in a
region of more than 150 million people.
Editor: Ivo Ivanov