ISTANBUL, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Balkan Countries Chiefs of General Staff Conference was held in Istanbul on Wednesday, with a focus on enhancing regional cooperation and solidarity among member states.
Top military officials from Türkiye, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Greece took part in the conference, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Slovenia and Croatia attended with observer status, while NATO officials participated as guests.
Addressing the conference, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said the event reflects a growing shared vision for future stability among Balkan countries, built on dialogue, mutual understanding, and constructive cooperation.
A joint declaration is expected to be signed at the conference to enhance cooperation and solidarity in the region, he added.
The conference is an annual high-level military forum established in 2007, providing a platform for regional army chiefs to address shared security challenges, enhance interoperability, and strengthen mutual trust. ■
