Erdogan: Sarajevo-Belgrade Highway of Strategic Importance for Balkan Connectivity

JAHORINA, (Patria) - The success of Southeast European cooperation is important not only for our countries but for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the entire European continent, for all of Europe. This process simultaneously makes a critical contribution to the integration of the Balkans into Euro-Atlantic institutions," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his address during the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) held in Jahorina.

He stated that he believes leaders will act in a visionary manner and support the integration of the Balkans into the EU. He said that Balkan countries should develop economic cooperation, and the Belgrade-Sarajevo highway is of strategic importance in this regard.

"Recently, we have seen that the EU's enlargement policy is being blocked by some short-sighted populist circles. The negative currents of division and discrimination spreading across the continent pose a danger not only to Europe but also to the future and potential of the region to be a hope for many."

Speaking about the issue of migration, the President of Turkey said that his country is a refuge for several million refugees.

"We will focus on the issue of migration, expanding resources, transport routes in the region, and the like. Turkey is a refuge for several million refugees. The expenditure Turkey has made to help refugees has exceeded 36 billion dollars."