Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the sidelines of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit of Heads of State and Government in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia.

The meeting took place during the SEECP summit, which brought together leaders and senior officials from across Southeast Europe to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity, and shared challenges facing the region.

Although details of the bilateral meeting were not immediately disclosed, diplomatic sources indicated that the two officials exchanged views on the longstanding ties between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina, recent regional developments in the Balkans, and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in various fields.

Türkiye has consistently voiced its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while maintaining close dialogue with all communities and political actors in the country. Ankara has frequently emphasized the importance of preserving stability and preventing tensions in the Western Balkans.

Fidan and Bećirović are also believed to have discussed the latest political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where institutional reforms, Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, and inter-ethnic consensus remain key issues on the national agenda.

Economic cooperation is another pillar of the bilateral relationship. Trade volume between the two countries has steadily expanded in recent years, while Turkish companies have invested in sectors including banking, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Both sides have repeatedly expressed their intention to increase trade and encourage further investment.

The meeting also highlighted the historic and cultural bonds between the two nations. Türkiye has long maintained close relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting reconstruction, development, educational initiatives, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites since the end of the Bosnian War.

The SEECP Summit in Sofia marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the South-East European Cooperation Process, the region's most comprehensive political dialogue platform. Held under the theme of strengthening regional unity for a stable, secure, and sustainable future, the gathering focused on enhancing cooperation, promoting good-neighbourly relations, and advancing the European aspirations of Southeast European countries.

Fidan attended the summit on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and held a series of bilateral meetings with regional leaders aimed at reinforcing Türkiye's diplomatic engagement in Southeast Europe and contributing to peace, dialogue, and prosperity across the Balkans.

The latest meeting between Fidan and Bećirović underscored the importance both Ankara and Sarajevo attach to maintaining close political coordination and regional cooperation at a time of evolving geopolitical challenges in Europe and beyond. (ILKHA)