site.btaAssessment of OECD Committees, Working Groups on Bulgaria's Accession Are Encouraging, Says Deputy PM Gabriel

Bulgaria has received a positive opinion from four working groups on its accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel said on Wednesday on her Facebook account after her meeting with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The process of Bulgaria's accession to the OECD and the results achieved were the main focus of the talks.

The results of the accession discussions held so far in OECD committees and working groups are encouraging, the foreign minister wrote. Bulgaria is progressing confidently, but we should not underestimate the challenges we have to face. The country's efforts are visible and appreciated in the organisation, Gabriel added.

Earlier in the day, the Foreign Minister participated in the roundtable on the Macroeconomic Outlook 2024 in three directions: technological innovation, geopolitics and relations with China, and energy transition, organised by Bloomberg. The focus of the discussion was on the main trends in the economy, international relations and technology development, Gabriel wrote on Facebook.

Gabriel clarified that each of the participants was asked how their country or organisation is positioned in relation to global challenges and prospects for 2024. “By joining Schengen, we contribute to better address today's challenges together. I also put emphasis on energy security and Bulgaria's role,” the Foreign Minister added.

Secondly, Bulgaria can be a regional innovation leader by investing in education, science, and innovation. The INSAIT institute, as well as the companies Dronamics and EnduroSat, have been given as examples of technological progress, showing Bulgaria as an attractive destination for investment and talent. And thirdly, international partnerships are important for Bulgaria. In order to respond to global challenges, including energy security, strategic partnerships with traditional partners such as the US and the UK, as well as new ones such as Japan, India, Africa and the Middle East are important, Gabriel further wrote. 

On Tuesday, the Deputy Prime Minister met with US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. This was announced by the press centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The focus of the meeting was the strategic dialogue between Bulgaria and the US and common approaches to global and regional issues.