President Rumen Radev discussed with Moldovan Prime Minister Doran Recean Bulgaria's assistance in strengthening Moldova's European path and the role of the Bulgarian community in the country as a bridge of understanding and mutual trust between the two countries. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the EPC summit, which took place today in Moldova. The head of state congratulated the Moldovan side for hosting the forum and for the excellent organisation.

In the course of the talks, the Bulgarian head of state reiterated Bulgaria's support for Moldova's strategic path of European integration. As a clear sign of this support, Rumen Radev highlighted the agreement signed last year during his visit to Moldova, which guarantees Moldova's access to the Bulgarian gas transmission network. Thus, Bulgaria supports the country's energy security, providing an opportunity for diversification of supplies. For his part, Doran Recean expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Bulgaria in a critical period for Moldova.

The President noted that in 2022 alone, Bulgaria has provided EUR 1.4 million euros for various projects of great socio-economic importance for the country.

Radev and Recean underlined the excellent bilateral relations and the ambition to further build and develop them. Ethnic Bulgarians in Moldova are loyal citizens of the country and contribute to its cultural richness, was the common position during the meeting. Prime Minister Recean said that Moldova strives to preserve the country's multi-ethnic character and that Bessarabia Bulgarians are highly valued. The prime minister gave the example of two ministers in the Moldovan government who are ethnic Bulgarians from the autonomous region of Taraclia.

Rumen Radev reiterated Bulgaria's expectation to preserve the administrative integrity and autonomy of the Taraclia region, where the Bulgarian community is concentrated. For his part, the Prime Minister assured that the reform would not take place without reaching an agreement with the Bulgarian community.

President Radev also outlined Bulgaria's efforts to guarantee the autonomy of the Bulgarians in a way that they can actively contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. Our country has undertaken a study, carried out by leading universities in the country, on promising specialisations to be included in the programme of the Grigorii Tsamblak Taraclia State University. This will attract young people to develop skills that are relevant to the modern demands of the economy and education. The Bulgarian community in Moldova, numbering about 60,000 people, is a key element of bilateral relations and we count on ensuring appropriate conditions for the diaspora to preserve its national, cultural and linguistic identity, Rumen Radev said.