Simunovic attends meeting of SEDM initiative

Apart from Croatia, who has been a member of SEDM since 2000, the meeting was attended by representatives (ministers, deputy ministers or state secretaries) of other 13 SEDM member countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, USA, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine), representatives of SEDM process observer countries (Moldova and Georgia), Commander of the SEEBRIG Multinational Brigade (the military component of SEDM) as well as guests representatives of JFC Naples, Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC) and RCC (Regional Cooperation Council) .

In his address, State Secretary Simunovic expressed strong support for further work and development of SEDM as a significant and successful regional forum that contributes to strengthening peace, security and stability in South-eastern Europe, and provides a constructive contribution to the development of mutual trust and understanding in order of faster joining of the region into the Euro-Atlantic integrations. Simunovic also said that Croatia will continue to actively contribute to the development of the SEDM process through participation in its projects in accordance with its capabilities and capacities.

SEDM initiative is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the countries of Southeast Europe, Italy and the United States on defence area in the spirit of Partnership for Peace, as the final aim of faster accession of countries of South-eastern Europe to the trans-Atlantic integrations, particularly NATO. The members of SEDM initiative are committed to promoting good neighbourly relations, as well as on constructive defence and security cooperation in the region. The priorities of the two-year Italian Presidency of SEDM process (2011-2013), among others, are further strengthening of the SEDM role as a key forum for cooperation and dialogue on the issue of security of countries of the region and beyond.