Turkey, with her experience in democracy and economic development, and making use of the multiple ties with most of the countries in the area, has been able to take part in their transformation efforts. In this regard, she has spearheaded the formation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, which can be seen as the first successful attempt to capitalize in the post-Cold War spirit. Turkey has also played a leading role in the formation of a Naval Task Force for the Black Sea that will respond to emergencies and environmental disasters. On the other hand, another regional body, the Economic Cooperation Organization, originally consisting of Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, has increased its membership and plays a significant role in its field. The Balkans, in which Turkey herself is situated, has played a significant role in European and World history.
Important ties exist between the peoples of Turkey and other Balkan countries.
This strategically sensitive region, constituting a gateway between Europe and Asia, is fertile ground for the kinds of conflicts that have characterized the political and security environment of the post-Cold War era. Turkey has traditionally aspired for conciliation, stability and peace in the Balkans, as her role in the setting up of the Balkan Entente in 1936 showed. She attaches importance to the forging of closer ties among Balkan countries and to the creation of a durable atmosphere of understanding and peaceful cohabitation. In this respect Turkey has launched major initiatives such as the Southeastern European Cooperation Process and the Multinational Peacekeeping Force for Southeastern Europe. She is supporting the Stability Pact proposed by the European Union.