Türkiye's Fidan to represent Erdogan at SEECP summit in Sofia

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) summit in Sofia on Wednesday, joining heads of state and government from 13 participating countries to discuss regional stability and multilateral partnership, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources. The gathering, hosted under Bulgaria’s rotating chairmanship, convenes under the theme “Strengthening Regional Unity for a Stable, Secure and Sustainable Future: Reflections on 30 Years of Partnership and Progress.”

Regional cooperation agenda

Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s commitment to enhanced cooperation in the Balkans based on the principles of regional ownership and inclusiveness, emphasizing the strategic importance Ankara attaches to the SEECP as a founding member and primary dialogue platform. The Turkish foreign minister will also highlight the critical role of good-neighborly relations in maintaining both regional and broader international security, noting that sustainable stability requires active diplomatic engagement from all member states.

Connectivity and economic priorities

Ankara’s top diplomat is expected to underscore Türkiye’s support for ambitious connectivity projects spanning transportation and energy networks, initiatives designed to deepen regional integration and foster shared economic growth. Participants are anticipated to adopt a comprehensive summit declaration during the proceedings, cementing commitments to infrastructure development and cross-border cooperation that have defined the organization’s three-decade mission.

Security challenges and diplomatic calls

Fidan is expected to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, reaffirming Türkiye’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace while urging continued dialogue between Iran and the United States to prevent renewed regional tensions. He will also draw attention to Israel’s occupation and annexation policies in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, emphasizing that such actions aim to create a permanent environment of instability and remind the international community of its shared responsibilities to uphold international law and humanitarian values without exception.

Organizational structure

Founded in 1996 as the only regional cooperation platform encompassing all Balkan nations, the SEECP includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Türkiye. The mechanism operates through one-year rotating presidencies, with Romania scheduled to assume leadership from Bulgaria on July 1, 2026 — following Türkiye’s previous terms in 1998-1999, 2009-2010, and 2020-2021.