site.btaPM Borissov at Aqaba Process Meeting: It Has Never Been More Important for the Whole World to Work Together to Stop the Crisis

Sofia, September 2 (BTA) - In his speech during the virtual
meeting within the Aqaba Process, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov
stressed that the world is entering a dangerous and unstable
period. ''Scientists suggest that the virus may stay with us for
 years. Our call is clear: we must work together," said
Borissov, quoted by the Cabinet's press service. 

The Aqaba Process was initiated in 2015 by King Abdullah II of
Jordan to strengthen international and regional cooperation
against the dangers of terrorism, radicalization and violent
extremism.

The forum was attended by heads of state and government from
countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya,
represented at various levels were also the United States, the
Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and others.

 "Never in the history of mankind has it been more important for
 the whole world to work together, so that we can deal with the
oncoming crisis and prevent the spread of the virus," the
Bulgarian Prime Minister stressed.
 
Borissov recalled that just two days prior in Slovenia, the
managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina
 Georgieva, announced a 10 per cent drop in GDP worldwide. "We
have not had such problems since the Great Depression -
financial, economic and healthcare issues at the same time,"
said Prime Minister Borissov.

The emphasis of Prime Minister Borissov's speech was the
contribution of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council to
the European perspective for the Western Balkans. "The support
that Bulgaria gives to Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo for EU accession, some of which
we were the first to support for NATO accession as well, is a
very good recipe for a common fight against terrorism and
extremism," Borissov stressed. He expressed hope that after each
 meeting of the Aqaba Process, the countries of the initiative
will emerge more united and stronger and the interaction between
 them will successfully develop.

"Urgent action is needed to build sustainability," Prime
Minister Borissov noted. He was adamant that effective
multilateral cooperation and solidarity between countries was
needed to address the global challenges and consequences of the
pandemic, both in the short and long term. NV/DT