The Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) and the Prespa Agreement between Greece and the RNM should be included in RNM's negotiating framework for EU accession, the President said during the meeting

 

The promotion of the Bulgaria-Greece energy, transport and economic connectivity was the focus of the talks between President Rumen Radev and the visiting Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The two hailed the restoration and further development of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Greece, which they described as key not only for bilateral relations but also for the stability of Southeast Europe. 

 

Accelerating the building of the gas interconnection between Bulgaria and Greece is a priority for both countries, it was underlined at the meeting. The LNG terminal near Alexandroupoli, which is expected to become operational in 2023, and in which Bulgaria owns 20% of the share capital of the company that will build and operate it, will have an additional favourable effect on energy diversification.

 

The bettering of transport connectivity, including through the opening of new BCCPs, will contribute to a subsequent increase in bilateral economic exchange and tourism, it was pointed out during the talks. Both Bulgaria and Greece have high potential and are successfully developing the information technology sector in their economies, which creates favourable conditions for fostering bilateral partnership, the regional one As well. Radev also highlighted the success of Bulgaria's southern neighbour to attract to the country a major investment from one of the global technology giants. 

 

During the meeting, the Head of State called for the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation between Bulgaria and the RNM and the Prespa Agreement between Greece and RNM to be included in the negotiating framework for the RNM's EU accession. The sides expressed a common position that the European accession of the RNM is in the interest of the whole region, but the process should be linked to the respect for European values and the commitments made in the bilateral agreements.

 

Rumen Radev expressed his conviction that the talks held earlier at a governmental level will bolster the implementation of the important bilateral projects, which are important for the whole region. In his words, Bulgaria and Greece share an important responsibility for regional stability and security, as well as for the European perspective of our neighbours. Prime Minister Mitsotakis voiced his satisfaction at being the first European Head of State or Government to visit Bulgaria since the November elections in this country. Political stability in our friendly and neighbouring country is very important for us, Mitsotakis stressed and conveyed to the Bulgarian Head of State greetings from his Greek counterpart Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou.