UK Hosts Summit on Peace and Stability in Western Balkans
On October 8, the United Kingdom will host a crucial summit in Belfast, bringing together European foreign ministers to enhance peace, stability, and cooperation in the Western Balkans, reports 24brussels.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will lead discussions with counterparts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo at Hillsborough Castle. This location is deemed “vital” for the UK’s national security.
The summit will also include foreign ministers from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, and Denmark, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.
The UK government has prioritized “lasting reconciliation” among Western Balkan nations during the talks, highlighting concerns over escalating instability, corruption, and criminal gangs that threaten both regional security and the UK’s economic interests.
This meeting forms part of a broader initiative by London to strengthen the Western Balkans’ resilience, tackle illegal migration, and catalyze economic development in the area.
Lammy emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating that Hillsborough Castle symbolizes the potential to transform conflict into peace. He referenced the historic significance of the site in negotiations leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
By leveraging Northern Ireland’s experiences, the UK aims to support its Western Balkan counterparts in overcoming past challenges, fostering meaningful reconciliation, and building a secure and prosperous future.
