The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, is participating in the Summit of the Cooperation Process in Southeast Europe (SEECP), which is being held in Sofia, the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria, under the title “Strengthening regional unity for a stable, secure and sustainable future – a review of 30 years of partnership and progress”.
Speaking about the importance of the summit, Bećirović reminded that this year’s meeting is being held three decades after the initiative from Sofia, which paved the way for regional cooperation and connecting the countries of Southeast Europe.
“After three decades, we are back in Sofia, where the initiative to transform Southeastern Europe into an area of stability, security and cooperation originated. During the thirty years of partnership, our region has undergone a deep political, security and economic transformation,” said Bećirović.
Pointing to the challenges and responsibilities that the states of the region are facing today, he emphasized that the messages he presented at the summit two years ago remain just as current and important.
“At the summit of the Cooperation Process in Southeast Europe in 2024, I emphasized that the stability of the region results from the ability of states to resolve open issues through dialogue, respect for international law and mutual respect. Today, two years later, that message remains equally relevant: regional cooperation is not a political slogan, but an economic and security need of our countries,” Chairman Bećirović pointed out.
He said that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains consistently committed to developing good neighborly relations and strengthening regional ties.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a peaceful country, committed to strengthening regional cooperation. We want good relations with the countries in the region, based on mutual appreciation and respect. That is why we actively participate in a series of regional initiatives, with the aim of improving cooperation in the region,” said Bećirović.
In this context, he reminded that the headquarters of the Council for Regional Cooperation is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressed his support for the work of this important regional organization.
“I would like to remind you that Bosnia and Herzegovina hosts the headquarters of the Council for Regional Cooperation (RCC). I welcome the significant efforts to strengthen regional cooperation made by the Council, under the leadership of Secretary General Amer Kapetanović,” said Bećirović.
Speaking about the principles on which the future of the region should be built, he particularly emphasized the importance of respecting international law and the fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
“I think it is particularly important to point out the importance of observing the Helsinki Final Act. For the future of the region and the European continent, the principles of interstate relations are of crucial importance, which emphasize: respect for sovereignty; inviolability of borders and territorial integrity of states; refraining from the use of force and peaceful settlement of disputes; non-interference in the internal affairs of states and respect for basic human rights,” said Bećirović.
“In his address, he emphasized the inextricable connection between regional security and European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The region’s security is inextricably linked to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the path to the European Union and NATO is not only an institutional process, but also a framework for lasting peace,” Chairman Bećirović said.
Speaking about the building of permanent stability and trust between the countries of the region, he emphasized that it is necessary to continuously invest efforts in reconciliation processes based on truth and justice.
For the construction of a stable region, it is very important that all countries are committed to peace, justice and trust. This means, among other things: the affirmation of the reconciliation process in the region based on truth and justice; institutional protection of the heritage of the courts of the United Nations; condemnation of the policy of glorifying convicted war criminals; construction of educational systems that will be in the function of genocide prevention; affirmation of the culture of memory, and dialogue and the building of inclusive societies – emphasized Bećirović.
At the end of his address, he called on the countries of the region to work together to achieve strategic goals that will contribute to long-term stability, security and sustainable development of Southeastern Europe.
“Together, we are building a safer and better future in Southeast Europe. Our common goals, among others, should be: strengthening functional democracy and the rule of law; strengthening of independent and efficient judiciary; fight against corruption and organized crime; protection of human rights and civil liberties; improving resistance to cyber attacks; manipulation and misinformation; strengthening media freedom; promoting the energy transition; investment in renewable energy projects; reduction of air pollution and decarbonization of Southeastern Europe,” Chairman Bećirović concluded, his Cabinet announced.
