site.btaPM Borissov: Bulgarians in Ukraine Will Always Be Bridge for Cooperation between the Two Countries

113 POLITICS - PM BORISSOV - UKRAINE - VISIT

PM Borissov: Bulgarians in Ukraine Will Always Be Bridge
for Cooperation between
the Two Countries


Odessa, October 5 (BTA) - The Ukrainian citizens of Bulgarian origin will always be a bridge for understanding and cooperation between the two countries, said here on Friday Prime Minister Boyko Borissov during a meeting with Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, the government information service reported. The two are attending the celebrations of the 160th anniversary of the G. S. Rakovski High School in the Ukrainian town of Bolhrad, which is predominantly populated by ethnic Bulgarians.

Borissov described the joint observances of the high school's anniversary as an expression of the two countries' shared understanding of the importance to preserve the linguistic and cultural identity of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine.

Borissov described the continuation of this policy as the best guarantee that the Bulgarians in Ukraine will continue to serve as a bridge for cooperation between Ukraine, Bulgaria and the EU, and be a factor for Ukraine's European perspective.

The Ukrainian President thanked the Bulgarian Government for its efforts during the Bulgarian EU Presidency in the context of the Ukraine-EU relations, including the macro-financial assistance for his country.

Borissov and Poroshenko praised the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and Ukraine which rest on strong historical, cultural and linguistic ties. The two described this as proof of the two countries' mutual recognition as important and high-priority partners.

Ukraine's pro-European orientation, as well as the shared Euro-Atlantic values, additionally enhance these relations and create the basis for their further reinforcement in all areas of mutual interest, the Bulgarian Government leader noted.

The meeting also focused on broadening bilateral trade and cooperation. Borissov and Poroshenko noted last year's 15 per cent increase of Ukrainian tourists who visited Bulgaria. LI/MY
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