SEECP could be a leading factor in the European integration of the Western Balkan countries
14 September 2015 News
An official ceremony for the re-appointment of Goran Svilanović as a Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia. The official Agreement on Assumption of Duties of the RCC Secretary Generalwas signed by Mr. Svilanović and Minister Daniel Mitov in his capacity as current Chairman of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP).
During the talks, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister expressed hope that the SEECP will focus further on the fight against the most pressing challenges that the region faces. Minister Mitov pointed out the increased migration pressure and stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in the field of energy and transport.
For his part Goran Svilanović thankedBulgaria for its help in re-electing him as Secretary General of the RCC. As priorities of his new term, he listed stronger involvement by the diplomatic representatives, better cooperation in the fields of security and economy, as well as the development of many projects that will contribute to the beneficial development of the region. According to him, the inclusion of the civil society in the tasks of the RCC and SEECP is of essential importance for the efficient implementation of the objectives and for the popularization of the organizations as well.
Regarding the issue of the increased migratory flows, Minister Mitov stated that a common approach in the fight against human trafficking is needed. “This is a horrible phenomenon that we have to fight off in the most effective ways. I have called upon all EU Member States to pay very close attention to this issue and to establish mechanisms that increase the criminal liability for people involved in such illegal activities”, Bulgaria’s top diplomat announced.
During the meeting, Daniel Mitov and Goran Svilanović agreed that many mechanisms for cooperation are available in the region and their activation would contribute to the establishment of comprehensive approach in dealing with the migratory flows.
Svilanović pointed out that the efforts of the international community should be aimed at ending the conflicts in the Middle East. “This way, citizens forced to leave their country could return – and this should be the main priority in the fight against terrorist organizations,” he commented. The Secretary General reiterated that the Balkans can deal with the migratory crisis with joint efforts and called upon the EU for further support.
During the talks, Mitov and Svilanović reconfirmed that affirming SEECP’s role as leading regional format in the integration processes of the countries in the Western Balkans would contribute to a strengthened European perspective of the region. The two have also agreed upon increasing the joint efforts in enhancing regional cooperation and coping with the different challenges that lie ahead.
More photos
