Moldova has done its best to insure the SEECP's promotion internationally, promoting the European integration of the region from South-Eastern Europe. The statement was made on June 4 by Moldova's outgoing Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan, at the reunion of the SEECP foreign ministers, Info-Prim Neo reports. “During one year, Moldova has held the SEECP's presidency. This year has been very difficult from the perspective of the challenges brought about by the world's financial and energy crisis, as they have significantly marked the development of South-Eastern Europe. However, Moldova has been guided by a series of priorities pursuing to insure the SEECP's promotion internationally. In its capacity of a tool of regional cooperation under the SEECP's aegis, and of key-interlocutor in the communication with the EU, also the Regional Cooperation Council has eased the process of European integration,” the Moldovan foreign minister said in his opening speech. Stratan specifies Moldova now expects to mark a new level in the institutional relations with the EU, which is going to draw Moldova closer to the EU by gradual political, economic and sector integration. “Since 2005, Moldova is part of the EU Neighborhood Policy and has achieved consistent progress in the relation with the EU,” Stratan said. The deputy premier says Moldova's priorities are using tools seeking gradual European integration, concluding a new association accord, including the establishment of an area of free trade with the EU, but also removing the barriers and encouraging interhuman contacts. The SEECP foreign ministers have also expressed their countries' availability to cooperate to integrate the area into the EU, for the sake if its political, economic and social development and stability. At its first annual reunion the Regional Cooperation Council approved its annual report and other key documents. Moldova will tender the SEECP presidency to Turkey.