President Erdogan hosts Balkan foreign ministers in Istanbul summit

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan convened a high-level meeting with the foreign ministers of six Balkan countries in Istanbul on Friday, reinforcing Türkiye's active diplomatic role in Southeast Europe. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing shared regional challenges, underscoring Ankara's commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the Balkans.

Attendees and Focus on Regional Ownership

The meeting brought together foreign ministers from Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Albania, alongside the Deputy Foreign Minister of Serbia. President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction with hosting the second meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform and thanked the representatives for their contributions. He emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues such as border security, energy, technology, and transportation through consultations guided by a sense of "regional ownership."

Emphasis on Solidarity and a Forward-Looking Approach

Noting that both the world and the region face numerous challenges, Erdoğan stressed the growing importance of strengthening solidarity and mutual understanding among the platform's member states. He highlighted the significance of acting together "with an approach that learns from the pains of the past and aims toward the future." This statement alludes to the region's turbulent history while advocating for collaborative progress.

Linking Balkan Stability to Global Peace Initiatives

The Turkish president connected regional Balkan stability to wider global peace efforts, pointing out that Türkiye continues its initiatives to mitigate instability. He mentioned ongoing peace-focused endeavors in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, positioning the Balkan dialogue as part of a consistent Turkish foreign policy aimed at conflict resolution and sustainable peace. The meeting was also attended by senior Turkish officials including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.