Distinguished Attendees, Esteemed Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

It is a distinct pleasure to be here today in Belgrade, on the 15th anniversary of the summits of this unique authentic and genuine Balkan initiative. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my gratitude to our host, President Nikolic, for organizing this important forum and to congratulate him on the recent assumption of the responsible office. At the same time, I would like to congratulate the Republic of Serbia on the past South East Europe Cooperation Process Chairmanship, which abounded with activities and important topics for our region.

Now more than ever, it is necessary that we all together make additional efforts for the regional cooperation. That is the only way we can overcome prejudice in the region and integrate our countries into the European Union. Prejudice that burdened the past, that limit the ability to live the present and can still be a threat for the future.

Distinguished Attendees,
We leave behind 15 years filled with political declarations and statements. 15 years of building mutual trust and feeling of togetherness. Certainly it has helped our region stabilize, restore the lost balance. Balance between past, present and future. Our countries lived too long in the past. We allowed our present to be stolen by the past and our future to be delayed. The South East Europe Cooperation Process has helped us regain our focus on the priorities we have set - European and Euro-Atlantic integrations.

In the joint statement of 1997, among the other things, it is stated: “We shall work together to create in our region conditions for the prosperity of our nations in a framework of peace, security, good neighborliness and stability...” and “to aspire to transform our region in an area of ​​cooperation and economic prosperity...” It is time for us to become architects of the future of our region.

Indeed, this implies less declarations and more work. Time has come for action. More specific actions rather than words are needed to achieve our common future. Isn’t it true that faith without deeds is vain? While other regions in the world are already living their future, competing and advancing in the field of science, technology, creativity and innovation, we have not yet achieved significant progress regarding many issues. We should be aware that time is flying, it is quickly leaking away.

Esteemed Excellencies,
Essential issues and challenges of today do not know and recognize isolating national boundaries. They do not know and recognize divisions on ethnic, religious or political grounds. Key challenges faced by our countries and societies are equal for all of us. Dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations, fight against organized crime, terrorism and proliferation, man to nature relationship, economic and social sustainable development, energy security, green economy development, water, climate change adaptation, are just some of the dilemmas faced by almost all countries in the world.

Hence the question arises: Whether, as a region, we should passively wait others to offer us solutions, or we should try together to find authentic, indigenous responses to the global challenges affecting Southeast Europe,? I believe we can.

Dear Friends,
Taking over the South East Europe Cooperation Process Chairmanship, the Republic of Macedonia remains committed to promoting the principles of good neighborliness and reconciliation in the region through European and Euro-Atlantic integrations. Among the priorities of the Macedonian Chairmanship will be cooperation in the field of economy and agriculture, culture and tourism, science and education, cross-border cooperation and environmental protection.

Next year in June I will have the honor to host this Summit. The Summit will focus on two topical and closely related issues of global importance: disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, as complementary concepts that are part of the same equation, the solution of which must be sought together. Climate change and disaster risk is a reality of today, but also a real threat for the future. A threat that can be removed only by respecting undertaken commitments and numerous efforts invested by us all. I am convinced that intensive regional cooperation in this field will help us build a region more resistant to natural disasters.

We will be practical in organizing the Summit. I take this opportunity to inform you that at the same time I will be hosting the 11th Annual Forum on Dialogue among Civilizations in cooperation with UNESCO and the Council of Europe, which will be focused on youth. I have no doubt that all our energy should be directed towards youth, towards creating youth for the future and future for the youth. Young people brought up in the spirit of dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity. Thus we will be able to create a new generation of regional leaders prepared for the challenges and opportunities borne by the 21st century. I invite you with great pleasure to attend these two summits next year in Macedonia.

Thank you.