Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the evaluation meetings that we regularly hold with counterpart organizations in other countries continue with the video conference method.

Within the framework of our term presidency of the South East European Countries Cooperation Process (SEECP), an online workshop was held on December 16, 2020 with the participation of counterpart organization representatives from member states, with the title "Covid-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities in the Balkans".

Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Yavuz Selim Kıran and SAM President Dr. Ulutaş have emphasized the importance that Turkey attaches to its relations with SEECP and Nations of the region.

The first session of the workshop was held with the title of "Challenges exacerbated by Covid-19 pandemic in the Balkans". Session was chaired by SAM’s Head of Department Yasin Temizkan. Ankara representative Dr. Mehmet Uğur Ekinci (SETA), Belgrade representative Dr. Slobadan Jankovic (Institute of International Politics and Economics), Bucharest representative George Visan (Diplomatic Institute), Chisinau representative Adrian Lupusor (Expert-Group), Ljublijana representative Dr. Klemen Klun (Department for Strategic Studies and Analyzes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Pristina representative Vera Rexhepi (Strategy Planning Office of the Prime Ministry), Sarajevo representative Dr. Enis Omerovic (Circle 99), Tirana representative H.E. Gazmend Turdiu (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) and lastly Zagreb representative Senada Selo Sabic (Institute for Development and International Relations) shared their opinions on the subject.

The second session of the workshop was chaired by Dr. Mehmet Uğur Ekinci with the title "Policy Recommendations to overcome Covid-19 related challenges in the Balkans” in which an efficient exchange of ideas was ensured among the participants.