Rumen Radev held a videoconference call with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay marking the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the accession of Bulgaria to the Organisation

Thanks to the joint efforts of the 12 countries between the Black, Adriatic and Baltic Seas, the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) creates the opportunity for economic growth, connectivity between the countries, and social and economic cohesion. With political leadership and the joint actions of business and NGOs we can improve the living standard of people in the region, stated President Rumen Radev, while opening an international conference on the funding opportunities of the 3SI Investment Fund.

The Head of State declared that strengthening the 3SI Investment Fund and attracting the investment advisor (Amber Infrastructure Group) marks the transition of the Initiative from political talk to real actions. Business is a key participant, Mr. Rumen Radev pointed out, and added that the interest of different countries worldwide in the initiative is growing, which is based on the huge potential of our region.

Bulgaria looks beyond the geographical and time limits of the region in order to find intelligent development of projects in the initiative, President Rumen Radev stated, while presenting the priorities of Bulgaria as a host of 3SI. He further added that new opportunities for the region’s advancement must be sought and this is why Bulgaria invited Greece as a guest at the 3SI Summit our country will host this year in Sofia. We should provide for connectivity all throughout the North-South path and important transport, energy and digital connections pass through our border with Greece, Mr. Rumen Radev declared, and emphasised that the region should take advantage of the potential of ports and liquified natural gas terminals in Greece.

The President also focused on another main priority of Bulgaria as a host – connectivity in the field of science, education, technology and innovation. “We must seek intelligent solutions looking forward to the coming 20-30 years. The next step is to work with young people and connect organisations and institutions that work with innovations,” the President outlined, and emphasised that the approach must be aimed at integrating innovative solutions in the field of transport, energy and digital connectivity while mobilising human capital and businesses. The President also noted the importance of strengthening the 3SI relationship with its strategic partners – the USA, the European Commission and Germany.