RCC Secretary General meets Türkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister and Director for EU Affairs Mehmed Kemal Bozay to discuss regional cooperation, connectivity and shared priorities

Istanbul – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović, participated today in the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, where he addressed the role of regional organisations in conflict prevention and sustainable peacebuilding. During his visit to Istanbul, Kapetanović also met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs, Mehmed Kemal Bozay, to discuss strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and implementation of shared priorities across South East Europe.

Speaking at the panel “Reflections from Regional Organisations: Synchronising Efforts”, Kapetanović drew on South East Europe’s experience of conflict and reconciliation to highlight how sustained dialogue, practical regional cooperation and stronger coordination with international partners can help prevent tensions, build trust and contribute to lasting peace.

“Peace is not built only when agreements are signed. A peace agreement stops the war; it does not finish the work. Peace is built in the years that follow, when institutions keep talking despite disagreement, when people look at their neighbours with a little less suspicion, when leaders keep a door open even when there is little political reward for doing so,” Kapetanović said.

He recalled that the RCC was established as a peace project, rooted in South East Europe’s experience of conflict and reconciliation, and that its work continues to demonstrate how practical cooperation contributes to stability. From mobility and roaming agreements to the recognition of qualifications, the Common Regional Market and initiatives supporting young people and women entrepreneurs, regional cooperation creates shared interests and strengthens connections between people and institutions.

“This is not reconciliation in the abstract. It is reconciliation through experience. And interdependence serves mediation too: it does not replace talks, but it raises the price of walking away from the table,” Kapetanović underlined. He also welcomed Türkiye’s longstanding engagement in international mediation, including the Balkan Peace Platform, highlighting the importance of connecting political dialogue with regional mechanisms that translate cooperation into practical results.

Held under the theme “Partnerships and New Perspectives for Peace: Mediation in a Changing World”, the Conference brought together senior officials, representatives of international and regional organisations, mediation experts and practitioners to exchange experiences and explore approaches to conflict prevention and peaceful resolution.

During his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Bozay, Kapetanović expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s constructive role in regional cooperation and its continued support for the South East Europe 2030 (SEE2030) Strategy, including its additional voluntary contribution towards the Strategy’s implementation.

The two discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and the Western Balkans Six, particularly through the Common Regional Market and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as well as closer policy coordination under SEE2030. Kapetanović highlighted the importance of translating regional priorities into concrete benefits for citizens and businesses, with a focus on sustainable growth, trade, investment, digital transformation and connectivity. The meeting also addressed opportunities to enhance connectivity between South East Europe and neighbouring regions, including through emerging European Union initiatives under the Global Gateway framework. Kapetanović highlighted the potential for closer coordination on transport, investment and development financing to strengthen regional competitiveness and resilience.

Bozay expressed his support for the RCC and its efforts to advance regional cooperation in South East Europe. The two also exchanged views on the current situation in the region and ongoing regional developments.

The two also discussed regional disaster risk insurance, an initiative supported by Türkiye, both recognising the importance of strengthening regional resilience and maintaining close cooperation on shared challenges.