The Slovenian Foreign Minister and President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, Dimitrij Rupel, today took part in the final meeting of the Regional Table of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe and the inaugural meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council, through which the Western Balkan countries are taking responsibility for regional cooperation.
“With the formation of the Stability Pact nine years ago, the countries of South-Eastern Europe accepted responsibility for developing a common strategy for the growth of the region within the international community and in mutual cooperation with donors and with their assistance,” said Minister Rupel, going on to express his satisfaction that the countries of the region are now able to work for lasting peace, stability and success through cooperation on their own account.
This transition was facilitated by the commitment of the countries involved and also by the determined work of the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact, Mr Erhard Busek, his colleagues and the European Commission, all of whom Dr Rupel thanked sincerely.
Although much remains to be done, the Stability Pact has, in the course of these years, implemented many projects which have contributed to improving quality of life in the region. “The most important thing, however, is that the Stability Pact has facilitated a transition not only from a war economy to a market economy and from divided societies to greater tolerance but, most especially, the transition from confrontation to cooperation,” affirmed Minister Rupel, citing in support of this statement the proclamation made by Robert Schuman 60 years ago that Europe would not be made at once, or according to a single plan, but through practical achievements which first create real solidarity.
“The Regional Cooperation Council will build on the work of the Stability Pact,” stated the Minister. Among its main objectives he mentioned strengthening regional cooperation, dialogue and coordination and encouraging political and economic reform, respect for human rights, development and strengthened security “in support of a successful and secure shared future.” The Regional Cooperation Council’s activities will be coordinated with the Stabilisation and Association Agreements and will help bring the region closer to the European Union. “The Council will be successful only if all the countries actively cooperate and support each other in the process of drawing closer to the EU,” said the Slovenian Foreign Minister, and wished Mr Hido Biščević, the Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council, every success.
