Southeast European states strengthen cooperation during Athens meeting

ATHENS, June 13 – Seven Southeast European countries convened in Athens for the sixth regional summit forum to discuss intercultural encounters.
President Bamir Topi joined other heads of state from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey, who ratified the Proclamation of Athens, stressing the political will to strengthen the effort coupled with the purpose of having the peoples in the region coming closer.
The group said, “we must utilize our common points in order to build a better future, responding to the commitments that we have towards the generations to come.”
Greek President, Karolos Papoulias, said that “culture constitutes the ideal expression of our joint activities aimed at creating closer relations and exchanges.”
The summit, focusing this year on maritime, river and lake routes of Southeast Europe, took place under the auspice of UNESCO and the European Council.
The next summit will be held in Montenegro, focusing on the issue of managing the multiform of cultural heritage and promoting it for tourist purposes.
Topi made it clear at a news conference that the future of the region’s countries was in joining the European Union and other international institutions, such as NATO.
“Like most of the countries in the region, Albania aims to become integrated into the European Union and not return to the nationalistic rhetoric that have gravely damaged the Balkan region and their society,” said Topi in his speech.
Topi also called on participants to consider participating at an international religious forum this year in Tirana, following the forum being held four years ago. (Tirana Times Staff)