In the framework of the UN General Assembly proceedings held in New York, a meeting was held on September 22nd 2016, among Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the US-Adriatic Charter countries.

Present at this meeting were Foreign Ministers of the US-Adriatic Charter member countries, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and two observer countries, Kosovo and Serbia.

Discussions focused on the current political situation and security in the Western Balkans, strengthening of regional cooperation among member and observer countries of the A-5 in view of the Euro-Atlantic integration of BP, ways of promoting cooperation and importance of Charter in facing common security challenges.

In his remarks, Minister Bushati praised the work of the Croatian presidency of the Adriatic Charter, with regard to current challenges of European and regional security. He also dwelt on the contribution of Albania in facing them.

In this context, he underlined the need to strengthen regional cooperation with a view to efficiently face security challenges, not only for our region, but also beyond.

Minister Bushati praised the contributions of participating countries, both in NATO-led operations, particularly in Afghanistan, as well as in the framework of the international coalition against terrorism and violent extremism.

At the same time, Minister Bushati highlighted the role of Kosovo on stability and peace in the region and underlined the need of its membership in the Charter, as a necessary step in view of the full Euro-Atlantic integration of our region, consolidation of peace, stability and prosperity.

During the meeting between Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Commissioner Hahn and RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, discussions focused on the advancement of integration processes in the region following the Berlin Process.

Participants dwelt on the interconnection between the countries, mainly in infrastructure and energy.

Moreover, Minister Bushati informed the participants about the progress of setting up the Western Balkans Fund office based in Tirana and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, as a clear sign of political will and new vision for the region, but also as a need for mobility and exchanges between young people. He highlighted the role of such initiatives as "instruments that generate and further regional cooperation".

Furthermore, participants discussed the political situation and recent developments in the region, the level of cooperation and good neighborly relations, as essential elements to the further development of Eastern Europe, economic cooperation and good governance.