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SE European leaders say cooperation essential for region

Xinhua, June 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

The participants of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) here on Wednesday said cooperation was essential for the region.

"We recall the importance of genuine and solid regional cooperation, which contributes to overcoming historic differences and divisions of the past, in the spirit of good-neighborliness and real partnership," the summit said in a joint declaration adopted by leaders and their representatives from 13 southeastern European members.

The SEECP members said they remained fully committed to strengthening their cooperation in addressing the ever-changing challenges and new threats to the security and stability of southeast Europe.

On the 20th anniversary of SEECP, the region is witnessing new destabilizing forces generated by the crises in the Middle East and beyond, the declaration said.

"In particular, the migration and refugee crisis demands immediate and bold decisions based on cooperation and dialogue," the document said.

Therefore, genuine regional cooperation and consolidation of the European path of the entire region are essential to face these unprecedented developments, it said.

"We are convinced that consistent coordination and effective cooperation are key to a sustainable management of all current or potential challenges and lasting peace and stability in the region," the declaration said.

Earlier on Wednesday in his welcoming statement, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said the summit would send a strong message to Europe and the world, a message about dialogue, understanding, as well as a message about a peaceful and prosperous Balkans.

Plevneliev said that two decades ago, the region was torn apart by mistrust, tension and conflicts.

"Today we stand together, and we have never been better friends and neighbors," he said.

"We realize as never before that crises, any crisis, go beyond our borders and we can only overcome those crises together," Plevneliev said.

"Together we are stronger, more competitive, and more attractive to investors. Only together can we guarantee peace and prosperity to our peoples," he said.

The SEECP was initiated in Sofia in July 1996. Endit