(ANSA) - BELGRADE, FEB 10 - CEI has "always been a fundamental bridge between the Member States of the European Union and those not yet members, and it is a fundamental objective for me to continue this path as Secretary General," said Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI), who attended today's ministerial meeting "Friends of the Western Balkans" in Rome. "The Western Balkans are a priority for our Organisation, and we are committed to supporting institutional reforms, connectivity, and sustainability that will prepare the region for future challenges," Dal Mas stated. "Our goal is to contribute to the fastest possible integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU," Dal Mas stated, emphasising that "the success of the Western Balkans is a success for Europe." (ANSA).