Bulgaria hands over SEECP presidency to Romania

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