Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and foreign ministers from Balkan countries convened in Istanbul to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. The meeting focused on strengthening ties and addressing key challenges in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting was attended by Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, Kosovan Foreign Minister Donica Gervella-Schwarz, Bosnian Herzegovinian Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, North Macedonian Timco Mucinski, Albanian Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropal, and Serbian Deputy Foreign Minister Nevena Jovanovic. Trkiye's Communications Directorate reported that President Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with hosting the second meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform and thanked the representatives for their contributions.

Erdogan emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as border security, energy, technology, and transportation. He highlighted the need for consultations conducted with a sense of regional ownership. Erdogan noted that both global and regional challenges necessitate strengthened solidarity and mutual understanding among the countries in the Balkan Peace Platform.

Erdogan also underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in the Balkans, advocating for an approach that learns from past experiences and focuses on future stability. He touched upon Trkiye's ongoing peace-focused initiatives aimed at mitigating instability in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria. The meeting also included the presence of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, the president's chief adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic, and other officials.