(ANSA) - DUBROVNIK - A call for a united and closer Adriatic-Ionian region was made in a statement in Dubrovnik Thursday by the Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR). The statement defines the future contours of the region, Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovac explained during a press conference organized for the inauguration of the Forum taking place in the Croatian city on Thursday and Friday.

''All member countries - he said - the four members of the European Union (Slovenia, Italy, Croatia and Greece) and four going through the membership process (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina) must benefit from cooperation''.

More prosperity, new jobs, integration of infrastructure and transport, energy and sustainable development are necessary. The statement of Dubrovnik, explained the European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu, is a clear indication of the will of the countries involved in the Strategy to stabilize and make the region prosper. ''Some 18 months ago this strategy was launched, now the time has come to focus on the implementation''.

The Commission, recalled Cretu, ''will have the role of facilitator and coordinator, to stimulate economic development, wellbeing, connections and render the shores of the Adriatic-Ionian macro region closer, with EU and non-EU members all on the same level''. (ANSA).