site.btaPresident Iotova: Southeast Europe Should Be Connected and Integrated

President Iliana Iotova said that Bulgaria will continue working to ensure that Southeast Europe becomes the region in Europe and the world that is most connected and integrated. She was speaking at a press conference following the plenary session of the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) here Wednesday.

The press conference was also attended by Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu. Albania held the previous SEECP Chairmanship, while Romania will assume the next one.

Iotova said: "We want, through joint efforts, to create a common model of regional strategic autonomy, a concept that is now being discussed across Europe in the context of our shared European strategic autonomy. Our ambition is to make our region a model for the whole of Europe."

Iotova noted that 30 years ago, Bulgaria established the SEECP and, three decades later, the format proved to be important, as over the years, a lot was achieved.

"The most important message emphasized by all my colleagues is that we cannot move forward, unless we remain united and maintain dialogue. We will all continue to work for enlargement. The perspective of all our countries lies in our common European family. In the face of new challenges and the conflicts surrounding us, we will continue working to guarantee security and stability in the region, and above all, security for our citizens," the President said.

She added: "Our greatest goal is to bring our peoples closer together and unite them. Only then can there be prosperity. Only then can we leave a positive legacy to the young people who come after us, because they want a peaceful world. They want a world in which they can demonstrate their talents, raise their children and have a future."

The President expressed her appreciation for Albania's significant contribution to the SEECP. Under Albania's Chairmanship, key priorities of European integration were clearly defined, including security, economic growth, culture, tourism and connectivity, Iotova said.

Iotova said: "Today, I will proudly hand over the Chairmanship to Romania, our close neighbour, ally and friend. Bulgaria and Romania have demonstrated that when countries are guided by mutual respect, trust and a common goal, they can achieve significant results." Iotova expressed confidence that under Romania's Chairmanship, the SEECP will continue to strengthen its role as an important platform for regional cooperation and the European perspective of the region.

The President presented Toiu with a statuette depicting a compass, expressing hope that it will serve as a guide in finding the right path even in the most challenging times.

The high-level forum in Sofia marked the concluding event of Bulgaria's SEECP Chairmanship, which the country assumed from Albania in 2025. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the regional cooperation format, which was initiated by Bulgaria in 1996.