BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – The EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn commended the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic in Brussels today for the organization’s successful and pragmatic approach to regional cooperation, which enables the countries of Southeast Europe to work together on developmental projects in the light of their still evident differences.

Commissioner Rehn gave support to the establishment of a mechanism of permanent cooperation among the RCC, its Southeast Europe members, the European Commission and international financial institutions, in preparing and implementing joint multinational regional projects.

Secretary General Biscevic thanked Commissioner Rehn for the strong support of the European Commission to the work of the RCC in the priority areas of economic and social development, energy and infrastructure, justice and home affairs, security cooperation, building human capital, and parliamentary cooperation. He stressed that the RCC would continue to serve as a facilitator among all the relevant actors in advancing economic and social prospects of Southeast Europe.

The two officials also discussed political situation in the region and assessed that the year 2009 will be crucial for accelerating reforms in Southeast Europe and for dealing with the remaining open status issues in a more resolute and result-oriented manner so as to avoid prolonged stagnation, in light of a shift of focus in the international agenda.

Secretary General Biscevic and Commissioner Rehn met ahead of the opening of the RCC Liaison Office in Brussels, which will serve as a link between the countries of Southeast Europe and Euro-Atlantic institutions.