Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General, Amer Kapetanović, hosted today a meeting on regional cooperation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Marko Đurić, and the Deputy Managing Director for Western Europe at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Emanuele Giaufret, at the RCC Secretariat in Sarajevo. 

The interlocutors underscored the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation in addressing shared regional challenges and advancing common European aspirations. During the meeting, they exchanged views on regional and European integration, the strengthening people-to-people contacts and economic ties across the region, and shared priorities within the broader European perspective of South East Europe.  

RCC Secretary General Kapetanović underlined that one of the organisation’s key objectives is to facilitate constructive engagement among regional partners. “The RCC was established to ensure that dialogue in South East Europe continues uninterrupted, regardless of circumstances. Regional cooperation thrives when we remain committed to communication and practical collaboration that directly benefits our citizens. Providing a platform for open and constructive discussion lies at the heart of our core mission,” said Kapetanović.

The participants also discussed the importance of strengthening business-to-business cooperation, further advancing infrastructure and connectivity across the region, and enhancing opportunities for youth engagement. They reiterated their support to the Regional Cooperation Council and its work. Both ministers further noted the importance of continuing efforts to advance the work of the Joint Commission on Border Demarcation in a constructive and forward-looking manner.

EEAS Deputy Managing Director Giaufret emphasized the regional dialogue and cooperation as indispensable for accelerating European integration and developing opportunities for the economies of the region. “Constructive dialogue and regional cooperation are essential foundations for advancing reforms, strengthening stability, and delivering tangible benefits to all citizens. The EU will continue to support initiatives that foster trust, enhance connectivity, and drive shared progress across the region,” said Giaufret.

The meeting, hosted by the RCC in Sarajevo, reaffirms the organisation’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and deepening cooperative ties in South East Europe.

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The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a regionally owned and led political cooperation framework, established in 2008 as the successor to the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. Serving as the operational secretariat of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), the RCC provides the institutional structure and political space necessary to sustain dialogue across South East Europe. Its Board brings together 25 participants, including 14 EU Member States and 5 G20 members, reflecting its broad international relevance. Headquartered in Sarajevo, with a Liaison Office in Brussels, the RCC acts as a bridge between regional priorities and European and global decision-making.