ANKARA/SARAJEVO – Doubled efforts are needed to solve the remaining open issues in Southeast Europe and create conditions for lasting prosperity and good relations in the region, said RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic during his political consultations with Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Ankara yesterday.

The two officials agreed that in the changed international environment the political leaders of Southeast Europe need to resolve these issues quickly, firmly continue with reforms and strengthen self-responsibility to ensure stabilisation and accelarated European integration of their region.

Secretary General Biscevic expressed satisfaction with the increased cooperation among the countries of the region and the progress achieved in EU accession process. He informed Ambassador Apakan of the establishment of a networking mechanism between the RCC, the EU, international financial institutions and the countries of the region which will enable all of the Southeast Europe to participate in developmental projects.

Ambassador Apakan stressed that Turkey, as the next Chair of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), fully supported this balanced working mode of the RCC. He added that RCC's pragmatic approach directed towards an accelerated development of Southeast Europe would enable the region to remain in full focus of the EU, despite global shifts in international agenda.

The RCC Secretary General also visited the Turkish Chamber of Commerce to discuss stronger involvement of Turkish businessmen in regional economic projects.

Secretary General Biscevic’s visit was part of a series of political consultations with RCC members from Southeast Europe.