Tirana: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the summit of Heads of State and Government of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Albania, representing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. This event is organized under the theme "Promoting Stability and Prosperity through Regional Cooperation and EU Integration," set by the Albanian Presidency.
According to Anadolu Agency, the summit will bring together heads of state, government leaders, and foreign ministers from the 13 participating countries of the SEECP, along with representatives from the European Union. The summit declaration will emphasize the significance of regional cooperation in fostering sustainable development, security, stability, and prosperity. Additionally, it is expected to acknowledge Trkiye's efforts in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During the summit, Fidan is anticipated to emphasize Trkiye's integral role in the Balkans and highlight Ankara's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. He is likely to discuss Trkiye's active involvement in international mechanisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, noting the country's contributions to NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the European Union Force (EUFOR) missions. Trkiye is set to take command of KFOR again in October.
Fidan is expected to stress that peace cannot be achieved solely through military presence, advocating for inclusive dialogue. He will highlight Trkiye's support for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and its contributions to regional dialogue through trilateral consultation mechanisms involving Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia.
The foreign minister is also expected to discuss the interconnected future of the region's countries, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation under the SEECP framework and enhancing connectivity. He will note that Trkiye's investments in the Balkans have reached $20 billion, with Turkish companies operating in various sectors.
Fidan is likely to recall that through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Trkiye has supported the region by building schools and hospitals, renovating historical structures, and promoting development through scholarships and academic exchanges.
He is expected to underline the necessity of diplomacy and comprehensive negotiations for a lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war and call on the international community to establish peace in Gaza. Additionally, Fidan is anticipated to express concerns over Israel's recent actions against Iran, stressing their impact on Middle Eastern stability and global peace.
The SEECP serves as a regional forum for dialogue among Southeast European nations, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Trkiye.