At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, political leaders, diplomats and experts gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a region that continues to seek lasting stability. In this context, the General Secretary of the Regional Cooperation Council, Amer Kapetanović, conveyed a simple but significant message: peace in the Balkans is built every day, through concrete cooperation and continuous dialogue.
Moderating the panel “Harvesting Peace in the Balkans: Dialogue, Business and Connection”, he emphasized that stability is not a given state, but a process that requires joint commitment. According to him, infrastructural connections, commercial exchanges and institutional cooperation are the most direct way to make this stability tangible for citizens.
The panel was attended by foreign ministers from the countries of the region, including Ferit Hoxha for Albania, who shared their views on the importance of dialogue and regional cooperation in a time of new geopolitical challenges.
The discussions focused on concrete areas such as transport, energy, trade and digital connections, which are considered pillars for sustainable development and greater well-being for the citizens of the region. In this regard, the role of initiatives such as the Common Regional Market and the Southeast Europe 2030 Strategy, which aim to strengthen cooperation and create new economic opportunities, was emphasized.
During the forum, Kapetanović also held bilateral meetings with senior representatives, including Albanian Minister Ferit Hoxha and counterparts from the region, where the need to maintain dialogue and advance joint initiatives was at the center of the talks.
This year’s forum, with the theme “Mapping tomorrow, managing uncertainties”, served as a space of reflection and cooperation for a region that continues to face challenges, but also with real opportunities for development and deeper integration.
The message that came out of Antalya was clear: beyond the challenges, the future of the Balkans remains tied to the ability to cooperate, build trust and create shared opportunities for citizens.
