Istanbul: The Balkans are not only a strategic region for Trkiye but also hold cultural and human significance, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated at a press conference after the inaugural Balkan Peace Platform meeting in Istanbul. Fidan emphasized the importance of Balkan stability for Europe and neighboring regions' peace and security, following directives from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to convene the meeting.
According to Anadolu Agency, the initiative garnered significant interest from regional leaders, bringing together participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, and Kosovo. Fidan highlighted the Balkans' role as a strategic crossroads connecting Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, underscoring its historical importance in political, economic, and security matters.
Fidan stressed that regional cooperation is expanding across multiple levels, with frequent high-level interactions. He advocated for strengthened cooperation and dialogue among Balkan countries to ensure lasting stability, based on regional ownership principles. The Balkan Peace Platform aims to foster honest dialogue and regular contact, transforming the Balkans' image from one of division to cooperation and solidarity.
He noted the platform's goal is not to replace existing mechanisms but to complement them, particularly supporting the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue process. The meeting focused on regional issues, emphasizing stability and prosperity in the Balkans as a priority.
Participants discussed various topics, including political developments, energy security, regional cooperation, and capacity-building opportunities. There was a shared commitment to hold regular meetings and prioritize projects advancing regional cooperation. Fidan stressed the importance of joint solutions amid global crises and emphasized collective decision-making for the region's future.
The foreign minister expressed hope that the Balkan Peace Platform would promote collaboration and embrace diversity as a strength. He mentioned that six of the seven participating countries are EU membership candidates, with discussions on sharing experiences within the EU accession process and raising regional awareness in Brussels.
Fidan noted the platform's value in addressing EU-related matters, such as visa and Customs Union policies, and the mutual sensitivities between the EU and the Balkans. He highlighted the EU's projects funded by special funds, like the European Security Action (SAFE) and Rearm Europe, and the need for defense industry cooperation beyond these initiatives.
Fidan also pointed out the growing interest of Turkish tourists in the Balkans, particularly among young people, and the importance of fostering mutual understanding through education and tourism. He mentioned that Turkish tourists rank first in visitor numbers across six Balkan countries, with cities like Belgrade, Pristina, Skopje, and Tirana becoming popular destinations.
Emphasizing 'regional solutions for regional problems,' Fidan stated that participants agreed to address issues through regional efforts, with ongoing discussions to raise awareness. The meeting concluded with a consensus to hold biannual meetings, with Istanbul as the platform's center for now.
The foreign minister described the Balkan Peace Platform as an informal format aimed at bringing leaders together, highlighting a consensus for resolving issues through diplomacy and dialogue. He acknowledged past tensions between some Balkan countries but welcomed the consensus against conflict and the focus on peaceful cooperation.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine situation, Fidan underlined efforts to bring leaders together in Istanbul for talks, with both countries expressing willingness to meet under Trkiye's hosting. He noted ongoing negotiations on meeting conditions and highlighted progress in prisoner exchanges and humanitarian efforts, emphasizing Turkish President Erdogan's commitment to accelerating the ceasefire process through leaders' diplomacy.
Fidan expressed optimism for a potential trilateral meeting hosted by Erdogan in the near future, contingent on progress at the delegation level.