site.btaPM Borissov: Bulgaria Will Remain Strongly Committed During Its EU Presidency to Western Balkan Countries' EU Membership Preparation

Trieste/Sofia, July 13 (BTA) - The Western Balkan countries' preparation for joining the EU will be one of the priorities during the upcoming Bulgarian EU Presidency next year, said in Trieste on Wednesday Prime Minister Boyko Borissov in front of leaders of the so called Berlin Process, who are holding their fourth Western Balkan Summit in the Italain city, as quoted by the Government Information Service late on Wednesday.

Even now, Bulgaria is strongly committed to this, but will also use the opportunities offered by the EU Presidency to further assist the preparations of candidate countries, and also help the EU Member States and institutions better understand the processes in the Balkans, Borissov said.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister attended the event at the invitation of his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni, who hosts the forum's conclusive plenary dinner.

Borissov was warmly welcomed by the Italian Prime Minister as a special guest, whose help will be sought during the Bulgarian EU Presidency.

Addressing the leaders, Borissov stressed the importance of connectivity between the Western Balkan countries striving towards EU membership, and the other European countries. According to him, it will not only help develop economic ties, but also build trust between the countries and their peoples.

According to the Bulgarian Prime Minister, the Western Balkans must be assisted mostly along the North-South axis. He noted the exceptional importance of including Corridor 8 in the Berlin Process and connecting Sofia to the Macedonian capital of Skopje with a railway and a motorway. The connecting infrastructure will truly offer a new perspective for the Balkans' development, he underscored.