Saturday, April 18th 2026
Officials from Western Balkan countries today called for stronger regional cooperation, trust and economic connectivity as key pillars for lasting peace, warning of political stagnation, brain drain and ongoing tensions, reports Anadolu.
Speaking on the panel entitled “Harvesting Peace in the Balkans: Dialogue, Business and Connectivity” at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, regional representatives called for concrete action. for building lasting peace.
The Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimovic, emphasized that leadership, trust and the implementation of agreements are key elements for achieving sustainable prosperity in the region.
He emphasized that Montenegro approaches its strategic development in a responsible manner through three main directions: good bilateral relations with its neighbors, strengthening direct ties with them, regional cooperation and European integrations.
– From “Balkanization” to cooperation
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign minister, Elmedin Konakovic, sharply criticized political elites, warning that nationalism and historical narratives continue to dominate public discourse.
“We need courageous leaders, but we don’t have them,” he said, calling for a new generation of leadership capable of overcoming divisions rooted in the past.
Konakovic also warned that ongoing political tensions and rhetoric war risk damaging economic prospects.
“We must stop threatening conflicts, because this will not attract investors”, he said, emphasizing mass emigration and the lack of reforms as the main challenges for the region.
He added that the European Union has “justified fears” regarding the use of the right of veto by the countries of the Western Balkans, calling on the region to show political maturity and readiness to membership.
The Foreign Minister of Serbia, Marko Djuric, emphasized the importance of regional stability and dialogue, calling for a move away from divisive narratives.
“Our region, known for the term ‘Balkanization’, must replace this concept with cooperation”, he said, adding that countries should focus on solving problems and not on deepening divisions.
“We are, first of all, interested in solving problems, not to win in debates”, he added, calling for responsible political messages and caution against increasing tensions in public discourse.
Croatian State Secretary, Frano Matusić, emphasized the role of infrastructure and economic integration in strengthening ties and improving prospects for membership in the European Union.
Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehmet Kemal Bozaj, emphasized Ankara’s support for regional dialogue, underlining the urgency for action regarding current developments in the Balkans.
“The best time was 20 years ago, the second best is now – but for the Balkans, this is the right time,” he said, emphasizing the need to accelerate cooperation, connectivity and comprehensive regional initiatives.
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Source: prizrenpost
Etiketa: Brief
