The platform established upon Erdoğan's directive held its first meeting

The first meeting of the Balkans Peace Platform, established at the behest of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was held in Istanbul on July 27, 2025, at the level of Foreign Ministers. In a statement on the social media platform X, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the first meeting of the platform, established to contribute to peace and stability in the Balkans, was successful.

Minister Fidan stated that the platform provides a platform for sincere and targeted informal dialogue at the political level. He emphasized that this initiative aims to institutionalize dialogue and cooperation between countries based on the principles of regional ownership and inclusiveness, while also promoting projects that prioritize shared prosperity.

Fidan stated that the meeting included an exchange of information on European Union accession processes and discussions on connectivity, youth, education, the defense industry, and regional issues. He also noted that an agreement was reached to hold leadership meetings for the Balkans Peace Platform in the future, to hold regular meetings in Istanbul every six months, and to ensure the platform's continuity.

Fidan stated that Türkiye attaches strategic importance to peace and stability in the Balkans, stating that this initiative is not an alternative to existing international mechanisms, but rather a supplement. He emphasized that Türkiye will continue to make constructive contributions on various platforms.

The meeting held in Istanbul was attended by the Foreign Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as the deputy minister from Albania.