Speech by H.E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey, at the Dinner Hosted on the Occasion of the Summit of Heads of State and Governments of South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Summit of SEECP Cultural Corridors

Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Excellencies,
Dear Guests,

I would like to welcome you all in the Dolmabahçe Palace on the occasion of our Summit Dinner.

We have gathered today at the Bosphorus where two continents meet.

The Bosphorus brings to mind a sense of togetherness. And it is again the Bosporus where we all reaffirmed today our will and commitment to shape the future of our region together.

Our common vision sees this future in an integrated Europe. A region generating peace, stability and prosperity at the heart of Europe. This is what we, as the leaders of the region, should offer to our next generations.

Our common past and shared values and objectives, combined with the rich historical, cultural and humanitarian accumulation of our countries provide us a tremendous potential.

Today we have manifested our determination to steer this potential in the spirit of solidarity towards our bright European future. We are willing and capable of taking the ownership of our region. The "Istanbul Declaration" should be read in this context.

Our common cultural heritage ties our past with the future. Today we have reinforced this bond which should be seen as the backbone of our efforts for political and economic integration.




Distinguished Colleagues,

I believe music is one of the best expressions of our cultural identity. We need to sing and hear tunes of friendship and solidarity.

We have voiced this understanding together at today's Summit Forum of the Cultural Corridors.

Tonight's gathering marks the end of the Turkish Chairmanship-in-Office of the South East European Cooperation Process.

I would like to reiterate our pleasure in having had this opportunity. It has been a unique undertaking.

At this juncture in time, if we join our efforts, I can already see the emerging opportunity for bringing a fresh wind of optimism to our region. It is high time for new ideas, new ways of thinking.

Thanks to the culture of dialogue which is becoming our common dividend, we will be able to pursue the historic mission of peaceful unification of the region, and simultaneously address today's global challenges.

Excellencies,

While thanking you once more for your participation, I would like to raise my glass for the well-being and prosperity of our countries and peoples, as well as for your personal health and happiness.