Head of State Rumen Radev discussed in a telephone conversation with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis the prospects for partnership while Bulgaria hosts the Three Seas Presidential Initiative. During the conversation, which was held at the initiative of the Bulgarian President, it was stressed that, as close neighbors, Bulgaria and Romania have the opportunity to implement joint projects in different areas, which could contribute to the better transport, energy and digital connectivity in the whole region.

The two presidents shared the stance that the accession of all participating countries to the Investment Fund of the Initiative will be an important step towards the implementation of the joint projects in the area of connectivity. In President Radev’s  opinion, in addition to individual countries, funding may be ensured also through the involvement of business and international financial institutions.

Bulgaria and Romania should work to achieve a better connectivity between the two countries, including by building new bridges across the Danube, the Bulgarian President said. Deepening the partnership with the European Commission in this respect is important for the overall development of the Danube River as a major transport corridor in Eastern Europe. President Iohannis also stressed the need to improve the navigation of shipping in the Bulgarian-Romanian section of the river.

The opportunity for Bulgaria and Romania to unite their scientific and educational potential in seeking sustainable technologies and solutions in the transport and energy areas was also among the topics of the conversation.

President Iohannis confirmed his support for Bulgaria’s being host of the Three Seas Initiative in 2021, as well as Romania’s readiness to share its experience and expertise from the summit in Bucharest, which was held in 2018.