site.btaPresident Radev Meets with Representatives of Bulgarian, Romanian Businesses

Improving connectivity between Bulgaria and Romania is of key importance not only for bilateral cooperation but also for the economic development of the region, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said here on Thursday. He took part in an annual meeting with representatives of Bulgarian and Romanian businesses organized by the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce.

The event was attended by Bulgaria's Ambassador to Romania Radko Vlaykov and Romania's Ambassador to Bulgaria Brândușa-Ioana Predescu, the President's press secretariat reported.

The head of State said that Bulgaria and Romania share strong political, economic, and cultural ties. The President noted that Romania is Bulgaria's second-largest trade and economic partner, with an annual trade turnover exceeding EUR 8 billion. In his words, the stability of the Black Sea region is also key for the mutually beneficial economic growth.

Radev said that the fact that Bulgaria and Romania are not yet full-fledged Schengen members poses a major challenge for the upgrade of the strong bilateral economic relations. In his words, it is unacceptable for the two countries to be deprived of full membership in the Schengen area amid a military crisis next door and an economic crisis in Europe.

The Bulgarian President identified the limited connectivity across the Danube River as a major hurdle to advancing bilateral cooperation. He outlined the construction of a second bridge on the Danube at Ruse-Giurgiu as a priority, adding that it is crucial to consider the construction of other bridges as well. Radev said that the Ruse-Giurgiu ferry line, which is not yet operational, and the renovation and development of other ferry connections are of key importance for connectivity and easing cross-border transport.

The head of State also spoke of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region as an untapped instrument for boosting bilateral energy cooperation and promoting educational exchanges and tourism development.

During the discussion, Radev said that efforts should be stepped up to make Bulgaria more recognizable as an investment destination for Romanian companies.