The Republic of Cyprus may contribute to the energy diversification in the Southeast European countries. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said at a joint news conference given today together with the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgarian Head of State. The two presidents called on the European Union to support the construction of an energy infrastructure in Southeastern Europe, which will improve the energy security of each country in the region.

The exploration of the Afrodite gas field in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus and the project on building a gas pipeline from the Eastern Mediterranean to continental Europe serve the interests of all Balkan countries, the Bulgarian Head of State said. Rosen Plevneliev highlighted that our country supports every project that leads to real diversification of the energy supplies and to setting market prices of the energy resources. Nicos Anastasiades told Rosen Plevneliev that the cooperation between Cyprus, Israel and Egypt in the energy sector is open for other partner countries such as Bulgaria.

“I briefed by counterpart on the Bulgarian priorities in the energy sector – energy diversification, energy liberalization and energy efficiency,” President Plevneliev said at the news conference and highlighted the importance of the gas inter-connector between Bulgaria and Greece, which will ensure access to new natural gas sources from the Caspian region and the Eastern Mediterranean. “We consider the gas inter-connector also as part of the efforts to make Bulgaria an energy hub in the Balkans, and also of the future South-North corridor,” Rosen Plevneliev said.

Bilateral documents in the energy, agriculture and tourism sectors were signed in the Coat of Arms hall at 2 Dondukov street, which, in the two presidents’ words, reveal  Bulgaria’s and Cyprus’ determination to strengthen the bilateral partnership.

Presidents Plevneliev and  Anastasiades were unanimous that despite the harsh economic conditions in Europe, the trade and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Cyprus has marked a considerable growth in the past years and Cyprus is among the leading investors in our country with investments worth 2,1 billion euros. “I am sure that the business forum to be held tomorrow will stimulate the direct contacts between the Bulgarian and Cypriot businesses and will promote the trade and economic cooperation,” President Plevneliev said. The two countries are among the preferred tourist destinations in the region. Readiness was voiced to strengthen the partnership between Bulgaria and Cyprus in this sector.

The positions shared by Bulgaria and Cyprus on many of the issues on the European agenda were highlighted. President Plevneliev voiced his gratitude for the support of Cyprus for our county’s accession to the Schengen zone.

Both Rosen Plevneliev and Nicos Anastasiades called on for adopting a common European approach on coping with the migration crisis, which should be based on the shared responsibility and solidarity of all EU member states. In the two presidents’ view, the EU should adopt a pro-active approach and act decisively to eliminate the root causes for the crises in the Middle East and North Africa, not fail to react until the refugees reach the European borders. The Bulgarian Head of State emphasized that a distinction should be drawn between asylum-seekers escaping from the military conflicts and economic immigrants and confirmed our country’s determination to improve the protection of the external EU border. “Bulgaria obeys the rules and registers every immigrant on its territory in line with European legislation,” Rosen Plevneliev added.

President Anastasiades briefed the Bulgarian Head of State on the progress of the negotiations related to the unification of Cyprus. “Bulgaria wishes success and political courage to the leaders of the two communities,” President Plevneliev said and voiced our country’s position on finding a solution that serves the legitimate interests of the people of Cyprus and will ensure its unification and unity.  The solution should comply with the UN Security Council resolutions and European values and establish a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation,” Rosen Plevneliev further said. President Anastasiades voiced gratitude for Bulgaria’s consistent and principled policy and for our country’s support for solving the issue related to Cyprus.

Earlier Presidents Plevneliev and  Anastasiades held a face-to face meeting at 2 Dondukov street, at which supreme state orders were awarded. Nicos Anastasiades received the Stara Planina order with ribbon and the Bulgarian Head of State – the grand collar of the order of Makarios  III, for his contribution to establishing excellent relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Cyprus and for further developing and strengthening them.

President Nicos Anastasiades was welcomed by an official ceremony in front of the Alexander Nevski cathedral.  The Head of State of Cyprus laid a wreath at the monument of the Unknown Soldier.