President Iliana Iotova and Serbian Prime Minister Juro Matsut, who is visiting Bulgaria to participate in the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process, discussed today ways to improve connectivity and promote investment exchange. The session took place at the National Palace of Culture, where the high-level forum hosted by the Bulgarian head of state was held.

 

Iliana Iotova stated that the Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector and the highway link between our capitals contribute to the energy security and economies of both countries and serve as an example of improved connectivity in the region. The Bulgarian president noted that the construction of the temporary Kalotina 2–Gradina 2 border checkpoint would not only ease traffic but also bring economic and social benefits to the citizens of both countries.

 

Iliana Iotova raised the issue of depopulation in the area along the Bulgarian-Serbian border and highlighted the need for investment to counter the adverse demographic trend. According to the President, the opportunities for cross-border cooperation must be utilized to economically strengthen the least developed border regions.