The Southeast Europe defence cooperation in the focus of a Ministerial meeting in Tirana

The Southeastern Europe Defence (SEDM) Ministerial meeting, organized by the MoD of Albania in Tirana on 6 November,  brought together high-level representatives of SEDM member countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Turkey, Slovenia, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the USA, alongside with representatives of regional organizations, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNDP SEESAC), and the Center for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC).

The goal of the meeting chaired by the SEDM secretariat under the Romanian presidency, was to promote regional cooperation and good neighborly relations and strengthen connections that facilitate Euro-Atlantic integration.

As this year marks the 28th Anniversary of the signing of the SEDM Agreement, the Member Nations reaffirmed that the SEDM process, as a regional framework of cooperation among the SEE countries, represents a success story and a positive contributor to the regional and world's peace and security.

UNDP SEESAC briefed the participants about support provided to the authorities and results achieved in advancing regional cooperation, small arms and light weapons control and gender equality. Furthermore, UNDP underlined that the successful implementation of the Western Balkans Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Roadmap and its important impact on regional coordination and cooperation has been recognized at the Berlin Process Summit and the second phase of the implementation of the Roadmap for 2025-2030 endorsed at the EU – Western Balkans Justice Home Affairs Ministerial meeting.

SEESAC also commended the Ministries of Defence in the Western Balkans, for their commitment in advancing gender equality in the military in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

SEDM Members concluded the Ministerial Meeting in Tirana by endorsing the Joint Statement reaffirming their determination to continuous regional cooperation to preserve peace and stability.

The next SEDM Ministerial Meeting will be held in Bosnia and Hercegovina in 2025.