Balkan Peace Platform to hold second meeting in Istanbul
The meeting is expected to bring together the foreign ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia. On the sidelines of the gathering, Minister Fidan is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
Emphasis on Regional Ownership and Complementarity
During the meeting and bilateral talks, Fidan is expected to underscore the importance of the principle of regional ownership, reaffirming that the Balkan Peace Platform is not an alternative to existing regional or international mechanisms, but rather a complementary and supportive initiative.
He is also expected to emphasize Türkiye’s determination to establish a cooperation framework based on concrete projects that contribute to peace, dialogue, and prosperity in the Balkans.
EU Enlargement and Regional Sensitivities
Another key message anticipated from Minister Fidan concerns the European Union’s enlargement process. He is expected to highlight the importance of pursuing EU enlargement in an inclusive and unifying manner, taking into account the region’s sensitivities and dynamics.
About the Balkan Peace Platform
Established under Türkiye’s leadership, the Balkan Peace Platform was created to strengthen dialogue, trust, and cooperation among Balkan countries through a regional ownership approach, with the aim of contributing to lasting solutions to regional challenges.
At this second meeting, participants are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including:
- Regional political developments
- Joint border management and the fight against irregular migrationCooperation and coordination in EU-related processes
- Energy security
- Digitalization and industry
- Youth, technology, and innovation
- Transport corridors and regional connectivity
The first meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform was held in Istanbul on July 26, 2025.
Economic Ties with the Region
Türkiye’s total trade volume with the countries participating in the Platform stands at approximately $7 billion, while Turkish investments in these countries amount to around $8.9 billion, underlining the strong economic dimension of regional cooperation.
