Chancellor Diner Welcomes Balkan Leaders at Historic Event
Rutgers University-Newark’s Chancellor Steven J. Diner presented the welcoming remarks at the 2009 Annual Balkan Leaders Conference, co-hosted by the Division of Global Affairs and the Federation of Balkan American Associations. Held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, Presidents and Foreign Ministers from seven Balkan nations convened to promote peace and prosperity in the region.
Recognizing acerbity and cynism amongst Balkan countries, the Balkan leaders expressed hope that all countries in the region can achieve peace, harmony and prosperity by defeating traditional biases and integrating into the European Union and NATO. They aim to defeat the stereotypical image of the Balkans as an area of conflict from the age that is past to forge a future based on a common cultural heritage and economic interests.
The Keynote Address was given by Ahmet Davutoglu, Foreign Minister of Turkey, who outlined Turkey’s vision of the Balkans as a buffer zone of economic prosperity forged on the foundations of the regions common culture and heritage. His optimistic view focused on the region’s past periods when the people were united and thrived.
