Northern Ireland's peace process will inspire a high-level summit aimed at bringing lasting reconciliation to the Western Balkans later this year. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host 15 European ministers at Hillsborough Castle as the region faces growing threats from instability, corruption and criminal gangs.
The local legacy of peace-building will be drawn upon to champion diplomacy and reconciliation among Western Balkans countries. These threats also compromise UK security, making the summit particularly significant for British interests.
Historic venue for peace talks
Hillsborough Castle previously played host to vital moments in UK and Irish politics, including intense negotiations which salvaged peace talks from the brink of collapse. These discussions forged the way for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Lammy said Hillsborough Castle was a poignant reminder of the power of diplomacy to transform conflict and division into long-term peace and cooperation. "By harnessing Northern Ireland's experience, we hope to support partners in the Western Balkans to overcome the challenges of the past through meaningful reconciliation and help build a safe and prosperous future," he said.
Government's plan for change
"As part of the plan for change, this Government is committed to strengthening partnerships with Europe, ensuring strong foundations of economic stability, secure borders and national security," Lammy added. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said the region was a legacy of hope.
"Northern Ireland's experience of securing peace through the Good Friday Agreement after decades of conflict has set a powerful example of reconciliation to the world," Benn said. "This provides a legacy of hope as well as practical experience which I believe will prove invaluable to our Western Balkans partners as they travel a similar path to peace and prosperity."
Castle's role in diplomacy
Laura McCorry, head of Hillsborough Castle, said the venue had been a place where people come together to shape a shared future for centuries. "The castle stands as a living testament to the power of dialogue and reconciliation in a place where peace has been hard won," she added.
"We hope it will provide an inspiring setting for the meeting and look forward to hosting the ministers this autumn," McCorry said. The summit will take place while the UK continues its security role in Kosovo through Nato's KFOR mission since 1999.
Tackling people smuggling networks
Since the election last year, the UK has stepped up engagement with Western Balkans countries to deliver on the plan for change, including breaking people smuggling networks exploiting the region as a gateway to Europe. According to the Government, during 2024 alone, more than 55,000 people were trafficked to other countries along routes through the Western Balkans.
A joint agreement on organised immigration crime was signed with Serbia during Lammy's visit to the region in April, when he also visited Kosovo. The Foreign Secretary also visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in May amid political instability in the country, part of the UK's increased activity and engagement in the Western Balkans.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
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