site.btaGreek PM: 'Bulgaria, Greece Set Example for Constructive Cooperation'

Greek PM: 'Bulgaria, Greece Set Example for Constructive Cooperation'

Sofia, August 1 (BTA) - Cooperation in the field of energy, transport, tourism and prevention of disasters featured on the agenda of the third joint meeting between the governments of Bulgaria and Greece, called the High-Level Cooperation Council, held at the Boyana Residence in Sofia on Monday.

Prime Ministers of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov and of Greece Alexis Tsipras voiced satisfaction with the good cooperation in the context of the migration pressure and stressed the need of stability in the region.

Bulgaria and Greece set an example of constructive cooperation and promotion of peace and stability in the region, the Greek Prime Minister said. "Although we are from different political families, we have unanimity regarding all critical spheres," Bulgarian Prime Minister Borissov noted.

In his statement after the talks, Tsipras singled out energy cooperation between the two countries and the construction of new corridors for natural gas transportation as central issue. The interconnector is the main point, which will strengthen the two counties' position on the energy map. Tsipras said that Greece is considering the establishment of an energy hub. The sides also discussed the possibility for the building of a railway line between the ports of Bourgas and Alexandroupolis.

Regarding the problems of floodings caused by the Maritsa River, Borissov said that in the autumn the dams will be 80 per cent full, which will prevent flooding of Greek territories. Efforts will be made to strengthen the early warning systems. Borissov also said he was assured by his counterpart that following the September bilateral meeting with farmers and trade unions, the issue of the blockades of the Bulgarian-Greek border by Greek farmers will be resolved.

The two sides also agreed on a joined action programme in the area of tourism.

Cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece becomes ever more imperative due to the new challenges in the world and in the region in particular, Prime Minister Tsipras said pointing to the existence of three crises - economic, migrant and security.

Borissov noted it is unfair that Bulgaria is still outside the Schengen Area. Bulgaria fulfills the requirements for being in the euro area waiting room and is eligible to apply for accession, the Bulgarian Prime Minister said adding that it will provide additional security for the country and commitment to the EU.

Tsipras invited Borissov ti visit Alexandroupolis, Thessaloniki and Athens and get familiarized on the spot with the local initiatives.