site.btaPresident Radev: Bulgaria and Greece Are Example that Balkans Can Have Peace, Goodneighbourliness, Fruitful Cooperation
October 14 (BTA Special Correspondent Lora Metanova) - Meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou here on
Wednesday, Bulgarian head of State Rumen Radev said that their
two countries are not only an axis of stability, but also an
example and source of hope that the Balkans can have peace,
goodneighbourliness and fruitful cooperation. Radev arrived on a
visit to Greece on Wednesday.
He also said that Bulgaria and Greece have proven that two
countries and two peoples can not only successfully overcome the
legacy of the past, but also develop a strategic partnership
based on shared common European values. Today's challenges to
both Greece and Bulgaria should be seen as challenges to the
whole EU, he noted, adding that solidarity is the European
Union's essence.
Radev acquainted his Greek counterpart with the development of
the Three Seas Initiative, which is aimed at improving the
transport, energy and digital connectivity between the countries
in Eastern Europe.
Sakellaropoulou said that the long-standing relations between
Greece and Bulgaria are based on the two countries' common
vision for stability and peace in the region. In her words, in
the last months the two peoples had to overcome the insecurity
created by the COVID-19 pandemic. "The pandemic is not the only
challenge we have to overcome," she added.
Commenting on the tension between Athens and Ankara in the
Eastern Mediterranean, Sakellaropoulou said that the only path
for Turkey is that of international law and observing it. The EU
should achieve that not only so as to defend the sovereign
rights of the Member States, but also to ensure the region's
security and stability, she said.
During his visit to Athens, President Radev also met with Greek
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. During their tete-a-tete
talks that lasted nearly one hour, they discussed the prospects
for developing the bilateral strategic partnership and promoting
mutual investments and cooperation in security.
Radev and Mitsotakis shared the position that the fight against
illegal migration, counter-terrorism and overcoming the
challenges to security in the region require a common European
approach based on solidarity and shared values.
They underscored that the energy, transport and digital
connectivity in Southeast Europe is important not only for the
region but also for the entire EU. They discussed the necessary
conditions and reforms for modernisation and attraction of
strategic investors.
Radev and Mitsotakis also discussed the EU enlargement process
and the Western Balkans' European perspective.
RY/DS
/МЙ/
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