Antalya/Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General, Amer Kapetanović, participated in  the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025, where he moderated the high-level panel discussion “Regional Ownership for a Prosperous Future in the Balkans.” 

The panel explored how the region can strengthen integration through shared economic, social, and environmental goals - despite global fragmentation. Bringing together Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, Timčo Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Marko Đurić, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Mehmet Kemal Bozay, the session focused on unlocking regional potential through initiatives such as the Common Regional Market, South East Europe 2030 Strategy, Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and enhanced regional connectivity.

“In a time when global fragmentation threatens to pull regions apart, the Western Balkans and South East Europe must move in the opposite direction – toward deeper cooperation, shared ownership, and mutual trust. Regionalism should not be viewed merely as a preparatory step toward EU accession, but as a strategic goal in itself – a foundation for stability, resilience, and prosperity. Through initiatives like the Common Regional Market, SEE2030 Strategy, and the Green Agenda, we’re not only aligning with European standards but building a region that works better for its people. The path ahead demands courage to break political inertia, imagination to design joint solutions, and above all, a renewed commitment to the idea that we are stronger together,” said Kapetanović at the Forum.

In addition to his panel engagement, Secretary General Kapetanović held a bilateral meeting with Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, reaffirming RCC’s support for Moldova’s reform path and European integration, while exploring concrete ways to deepen cooperation. 

On the sidelines of the Forum, Secretary General Kapetanović also met with Deputy Prime Minister Ibrahimović, Minister Konaković, Minister Đurić, and Head of Division for Türkiye and the Eastern Mediterranean at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Baiba Tavaresa, on strengthening of regional cooperation and challenges ahead in the implementation of regional agendas facilitated by the RCC. The officials reiterated their support to the activities of the RCC and reaffirmed their support for regional cooperation.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 gathers global leaders, policymakers, and thinkers to debate pressing international challenges and solutions for a more connected and resilient world.

More info: https://antalyadf.org/en/adf-english/