Sarajevo, 3 January 2025 (MIA) – Amer Kapetanovic assumed his duties of the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) on Friday, following the appointment by the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Foreign Ministers on 12 June 2024 in Skopje.

Amer Kapetanovic is an accomplished diplomat with over two decades of experience in international relations and regional cooperation, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) said in a press release.

“I am honoured to step into the role of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council for the next three years. I begin this journey having in mind a moto of architects of the EU single market and champions of regional cooperation: 'Diversity must be preserved, so that it can bear fruit for the common good'. This captures the essence of our endeavour to create lasting benefits for all while cherishing the rich diversity of our region," he said in a statement.

I look forward to building on the incredible work already underway across the South-East Europe and Western Balkans," Kapetanovic said and thanked his predecessors Majlinda Bregu, Goran Svilanovic and Hido Biscevic "for all their energy, knowledge and experience invested in guiding RCC towards success."

"I am equally certain that, with the support of our participants and donors, we can, in the next three years, be the real change our citizens across the region want to see. According to all surveys so far, our citizens have a simple and achievable dream - they want economic betterment, as safe and prosperous life as their fellow EU citizens have. And, indeed, they insist on being a part of the EU as soon as it is possible," he said.

This new chapter, Kapetanovic added, offers a unique opportunity for RCC to be part of orchestrated regional effort aimed at fulfilling the dream of our citizens.

"Thanks to the financial support from the EU and our participants, we shall embark on amplifying people-oriented results —whether through advancing the Common Regional Market, upgrading the South East Europe 2030 (SEE2030 Strategy), driving the Green and Digital Agendas, enabling youth to participate in decision making, improving employment opportunities, or enhancing security cooperation."

Amer Kapetanovic succeeded Majlinda Bregu, who held the post from 2019 to 2024.  

Photo: RCC