ATHENS

Southeastern Europe is a factor of stability, security, and development, said Bulgaria's foreign minister on Monday, as reported by the state-run BTA news agency.

Speaking at the opening of the 20th Vienna Economic Forum in the Austrian capital, Mariya Gabriel said, “We need a clear vision about the region of southeastern Europe in key strategic areas such as energy, transport, and infrastructure.”

Furthermore, she added, investments in innovation are of utmost importance to create more prospects for future generations.

Gabriel also stressed the significance of the Western Balkans' integration into the EU.

“The Western Balkans belong in the EU. They are part of the European family. It is now important to identify the steps which will bring concrete benefits for the citizens in the process of EU enlargement."

The forum was set up in 2004 with the strategic goal of promoting regional cooperation and dialogue between the countries and territories from the Adriatic to the Black Sea.

At Gabriel's proposal, the next edition of the forum next April will be held in Bulgaria's capital Sofia.​​​​​​​