(ANSA) - TRIESTE, MAY 5 - "The European Union's expansion into the Western Balkans is about more than just economic and political integration; it is also about security and stability" and "the success of the Western Balkans will be the success of Europe," said Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI), in Ljubljana, where he met with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. During the meeting, Dal Mas emphasised Slovenia's key role in the CEI. Ljubljana is indeed a "key partner for our region and the CEI - a committed and active member of our Initiative." "Slovenia supports the CEI because it strongly believes that regional cooperation is an essential tool for promoting peace, stability, and European integration," Minister Fajon stated. "We are ready to assist the Western Balkans in achieving their European future: by 2030, we want to see an enlarged, united, and strong Europe." During the visit to Ljubljana, the main topics on the CEI agenda were discussed, including support for the Western Balkans' European integration, assistance to Ukraine, and concrete initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation. (ANSA).