site.btaLuxembourg's Foreign Minister Discusses with Bulgarian Officials Bilateral Relations and Issues from Europe's Agenda

Sofia, November 7 (BTA) - The visiting Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, met with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, and President Rumen Radev here Thursday and discussed with them the constructive bilateral relations and their shared wish to see political dialogue stepped up at all levels.

Borissov believes that there are untapped opportunities for cooperation in the banking and finance sector, where Luxembourg has ample experience, said the government press office. The Bulgarian government leader also underscored the excellent opportunities for tourism in Bulgaria.

Issues from the European and international agenda were also discussed. The two sides dwelled on the talks on the new multiannual financial framework of the EU and Borissov was adamant that the EU needs a budget that is adequate to the traditional and the new priorities of the Union.

They agreed that among the key challenges facing the EU are the demographic changes, economic globalization, digitalization, climate change, and facing them calls for a strong common EU approach.

Borissov said that he believes passionately in the European perspective of the Western Balkan counties, which he sees as an indivisible part of the EU.

After he met with Zaharieva, Asselborn said that the last European Council made a mistake when it failed to agree on the start of accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania. He also said that "some of us will do our best to make sure the EU does not forget the Balkans".  

The two top diplomats also discussed the future of Europe and the next multiannual budget.

Zaharieva said that Luxembourg is one of the largest investors in Bulgaria and thanked that country for making Bulgarians who live there - some 5,000 people - feel welcome. These are all well integrated people with good jobs, she added. 

Meeting with Asselborn, President Rumen Radev said, as quoted by his press secretariat, that the economic and social convergence in the European Union should stay a priority during the new tenure of the EU institutions. Radev said that investments should be distributed evenly across Europe not only in transport and logistics but primarily in education and science infrastructure.

According to Asselborn, financing for EU's policies should not be slashed as they have to be adequately funded in order to be effective.

The two discussed issues related to the future of Europe and underscored the necessity for preserving the founding values of the EU such as unity and solidarity.

Foreign Minister Asselborn reaffirmed Luxembourg's support for Bulgaria's entry to the Schengen area.

Radev and Asselborn voiced support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

The two took stock of the constructive bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Luxembourg. Bulgaria is interested in an enhanced cooperation in the banking and financial sector especially within the context of the country's desire to join the eurozone. The Bulgarian head of State outlined the good opportunities which Bulgaria provides for strategic investments in the area of energy, infrastructure, transport, environment, IT sector and tourism. RY, DS/LN,PP