At this informal meeting, they discussed the Western Balkans development that is not only the priority of the Bulgarian Presidency, but also a long-standing priority of the Czech foreign policy. The Political Directors also debated the state of the Middle East Peace Process in the context of preparations for the upcoming EU Foreign Ministers’ Council meeting where this point will also be on the agenda. Last but not least, in the discussion they also took stock of the situation in Russia before the presidential elections that are to take place in March this year. The Czech Republic was represented by Ivo Šrámek, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Security and Multilateral Issues and Political Director.