site.btaBulgaria to Host 7th Meeting of State, Government leaders of China, CEE Countries in 2018

Budapest, November 27 (BTA) - Bulgaria will host the 7th meeting of state and government leaders of China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in 2018. This was agreed here on Monday during the 6th meeting, Cabinet's press service reported.

Without having the characteristics of an international organization, the 16+1 forum sends signals of stability, goodwill, cooperation, seeking joint approaches and solutions, said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov during the meeting.

Borissov noted that the meetings held and the documents adopted under the initiative are in sync with the EU's ideas and principles, such as openness, equal treatment of all and mutual benefit. According to him, the initiative contributes to cooperation between Europe and China, and between the EU and China, which is something Bulgaria will continue to work on in the future.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister said that after the mechanism for regular meetings between the leaders of China and CEE countries started back in 2012, Chinese companies have increased their presence in the area of infrastructure in this region.
Borissov noted that the projects of importance to Bulgaria are mainly related to the construction of the Hemus and Cherno More motorways, as well as the Rousse-Varna railway. He voiced hope that active cooperation and bilateral interests will lead to the implementation of specific projects. Other areas of potential cooperation are in the energy sector, agriculture, industrial zones, e-commerce, innovations and medicine, Borissov added.

The Bulgarian Government is ready for active cooperation given clearly outlined and mutually beneficial conditions for both sides. The outdated scheme for state-guaranteed crediting should be abandoned and new and more flexible approaches should be sought, such as public-private partnership, Borissov said.

Borissov said he is grateful to his Chinese and Hungarian counterparts Li Keqiang and Viktor Orban, respectively, as well as to his colleagues for their support for Bulgaria's bid to host the next 16+1 Summit. Bulgaria will host another key event that is part of the 16+1 forum - the meeting of local leaders in the southern city of Plovdiv.