Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati attended the meeting of Foreign Ministers of South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) participating countries, held in Sofia on 2nd of February 2016.

Foreign Ministers of 13 member countries, invited by the European Commission and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) attended this meeting that was was held in the framework of the Bulgarian SEECP Chairmanship and in the context of the 20th anniversary of SEECP establishment as well.
    
During his speech at the plenary session, Minister Bushati underlined SEECP’s role as "an instrument that generates and accelerates regional cooperation".

Moreover, Minister Bushati focused on the migration crisis and its side effects: "Over the last year, we have witnessed the rise of legitimate concerns about the terrorism/migration nexus; the rise of not so legitimate negative stereotypes; as well as the rise of mistrust among neighbors and allies" Minister Bushati stated.

Focusing on joint efforts against violent extremism and while presenting advantages of the Albanian model for coexistence and religious tolerance, Minister Bushati underlined that "this is a long-term battle, a battle about the strengthening of cohesive, prosperous and respectful societies”.

During the press conference, Minister Bushati stated that "the refugee crisis and fight against terrorism have shown the interdependence of the EU and Western Balkan countries. It is important that this interdependence be translated into an enhanced cooperation opportunity between the EU and regional countries, in order for them to successfully conclude democratic state-building processes ".

At this meeting, ministers adopted the Joint Statement on Migration Challenges in South-East Europe, which focuses on the need to act in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity to ensure concerted action. 

In the framework of the SEECP Ministerial, Mr. Bushati held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts of Bulgaria, Romania and Macedonia.