The South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit, a high-level regional meeting that this year also marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of this cooperation format, was held in Sofia, Bulgaria. At this summit, leaders of the countries of the region discussed the future of South East Europe, with a particular focus on European integration, security, energy and strengthening democracy.
The acting president of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, in an interview for RTK, said that Kosovo welcomed this summit and appreciated its organization by Bulgaria.
"First of all, the Republic of Kosovo has welcomed this summit. I have thanked the President of Bulgaria for the invitation she has extended to us, but also for organizing this important summit.", said Haxhiu.
She recalled that it was in Sofia, three decades ago, that this regional cooperation process began. "Here, 30 years ago, in Sofia, the process of Southeast European cooperation began."", She stressed.
According to Haxhiu, discussions at the summit included a wide range of topics of interest to the region and Kosovo. "We had discussions regarding the European integration process, regarding energy, democracy, reforms for membership in the European Union, security, peace and many other topics that are of interest to the Republic of Kosovo."", she declared.
Speaking about Kosovo's role in these processes, Haxhiu said that he has presented the country's positions on key issues, especially in the field of security and European integration."I presented the position of the Republic of Kosovo in relation to security issues, but also the importance of the Western Balkans' interest in the European Union.", she said.
Haxhiu stressed that Kosovo has made significant progress in reforms and remains committed to the European agenda. "I emphasized that the Republic of Kosovo has made important reforms and is working to advance the interests of Kosovo citizens in many areas.", she said.
She added that Kosovo is aligned with European Union policies and ready to fulfill the obligations arising from the integration process.
"I emphasized that the Republic of Kosovo is in line with the foreign and security policies of the European Union. I also expressed our commitment that we will engage in addressing all the responsibilities we have in this process."", Haxhiu declared.
In the end, she demanded that the European Union take concrete steps towards Kosovo, granting it candidate country status."After three years of applying in Prague for candidate country status, I requested that we be granted this status and that negotiations with the European Union be opened.", said President Haxhiu.
