South-East European Cooperation Process marks 20th year

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – The South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) has marked its 20th anniversary at a ministerial-level meeting in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia.

The EU accession process among the Western Balkan states, plus illegal immigration in southeastern Europe, were the main topics of Tuesday’s gathering.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said that SEECP's main priorities were the establishment of bilateral transport and energy links in member countries, the refugee crisis and media freedom.

"Our country does not see another future for the Western Balkans other than EU membership," said Mitov.

Talking to reporters after the meeting Mitov said that "SCEEP and good neighborly relations are extremely important to us.

“Turkey plays an active role in the process. Unfortunately, the talks in recent years have focused …on the immigration issue."

Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Naci Koru told Anadolu Agency reporters: "We are giving great importance to this process because Turkey is one of the most important countries of the Balkans."