The 6th Balkan Think Tanks Meeting, organized by the Foundation for Politics, Economics and Social Research (SETA) with the support of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), started in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
The meeting titled “Resilience and Cooperation in a Turbulent World” will discuss the effects of global geopolitical developments on the Balkans, basic issues in regional politics, the integration process of the Balkan countries into the European Union (EU) and the place of the Balkans in Europe’s new security architecture.
In his speech at the dinner organized within the scope of the meeting, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia, Mehmet Sait Uyanık, emphasized the importance of the principles of inclusivity and regional ownership to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the Balkans.
Stating that Türkiye follows an active, multi-dimensional and principled foreign policy, Uyanık stated that they advocate a fairer international system supported by more effective multilateral institutions while aiming for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Uyanık noted that geographical proximity, history, cultural ties and close relations between people strengthen the ties between Turkey and the Balkans, and said that the Russia-Ukraine war, the risks in the Black Sea and the changing security architecture of Europe make the importance of the Balkans for European security even more evident.
Stating that Türkiye’s approach towards the Balkans is based on the principles of inclusiveness and regional ownership, Uyanık emphasized that permanent peace must be built without excluding any society or identity.
Uyanık stated that they see the multicultural structure of the region as a power that needs to be protected, and noted that the Balkan countries should take a leading role in the process of developing solutions to their own problems.
Stating that Türkiye supports the integration of the Balkan countries with European and Euro-Atlantic structures, Uyanık emphasized the importance of developing Türkiye-European Union (EU) relations and strengthening regional economic cooperation.
Uyanık noted that Bulgaria’s membership in the EU and the Schengen Area, as well as the fact that it started using the euro this year, strengthened the country’s position as an important partner and transition point between Türkiye and the European market.
Pointing out that Bulgaria and Türkiye are on important routes connecting Europe and Asia, Uyanık stated that the Middle Corridor and the road, railway and energy infrastructure networks that support this route offer opportunities for the two countries and the Balkans.
???????Uyanık stated that strengthening connectivity will increase the durability of supply chains, increase competitiveness and create new opportunities for citizens.
Emphasizing that borders should be connection points, not bottlenecks, Uyanık stated that an important step has been taken towards improving the railway connection.
Uyanık stated that the Çerkezköy-Kapıkule section of the Halkalı-Kapıkule Railway Line was put into service on October 9, and that the journey between Istanbul-Kapıkule is expected to decrease to 1.5 hours with the completion of the remaining sections.
Uyanık emphasized that it is possible to facilitate border crossings, connect economies more, get societies to know each other more closely and make the common future more secure, and stated that Türkiye will continue its cooperation with Bulgaria and the entire Balkans in line with this understanding.
The “6th Balkan Think Tanks Meeting” organized by SETA with the support of YTB will end tomorrow after various sessions.
