Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here in Sofia today to participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the Southeast European Cooperation Process, which is taking place at an important period for the region.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my dear friend Ivailo for his warm hospitality, and the excellent arrangement made for this meeting.

A new beginning for our common region is taking place by the operational launching of the Regional Cooperation Council. The transformational phase-out of the Stability Pact is now complete. It is for sure that the RCC, as a new impetus for the region, will immediately begin to introduce initiatives for a better future of the Balkans.

We wish all the success to Ambassador Bişçeviç, who will certainly display his vast experience in the region and his diplomatic skills.

The most important messages the RCC will inherit from the Stability Pact is to consolidate cooperation, to deepen mutual trust among the members of the region and to help enhance the bonds of friendship.

I am sure that the RCC will continue to help enhance the effectiveness of the SEECP, which has been an indigenous initiative for our common region with the principle of ‘regional ownership’. In this new era, the SECCP and the RCC will serve as complementary bodies which will contribute to the future generations of the region.

Dear Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Consolidation of lasting peace and stability in the Balkans is a foreign policy priority of Turkey. That is why we want to take our turn to carry the banner and assume the SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office for the term May 2009-May 2010, following Moldavian Chairmanship.

Dear Collegues,

Nowadays, our region has been undergoing change. We need solidarity and understanding more than ever.

Our vision of peace and stability in the region foresees strengthening the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.

Turkey is ready to spare no effort to help bridge differences arising from recent events in the region.

As part of a greater family that upholds European values, we should look at events surrounding us through the lenses of political realism. The fact of the matter is, we cannot build our common future on the principle of reconciliation, if we fail to see the bigger picture before us. We must see the Balkans as a whole that will eventually be united under the umbrellas of the EU and NATO.

Over the last decade, immense progress has been achieved in our region. Nevertheless, there are still challenges that we face. In doing so, we should not miss opportunities.

Dear Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before concluding, I would like to emphasize, once more, the importance of the completion of the integration of Southeast European countries with the Euro-Atlantic structures. The consolidation of an environment of harmony in the Balkans can only be accomplished by Euro-Atlantic convergence. The SEECP will continue to be the symbol of our togetherness and the newly-launched RCC will be the catalyzer of our common endeavours.

Thank you for your kind attention.