As part of her working visit to Hungary, Vice President Iliana Iotova Thursday held a meeting with the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, László Kövér, the President's Press Secretariat reported. Iotova's two-day visit was at the invitation of the Bulgarian community in Hungary on the occasion of the Day of Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship, October 19.
Kövér noted the traditionally good relations between the two countries and the two peoples, and pointed out that Hungary has such a celebration only with Bulgaria and Poland. He called for more active cooperation between the Hungarian and Bulgarian parliaments, as the last meeting between their heads was in 2007.
The Vice President underscored the excellent bilateral cooperation at all levels, noting that Hungary is one of the biggest investors in Bulgaria. Iotova thanked Hungary for its serious, consistent and very successful policy for different ethnic communities. "One of the examples of successful results in our joint work is the construction of the Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Centre in Budapest, which is expected to be opened on the eve of May 24 next year," the Vice President said.
The Bulgarian Vice President and the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament discussed a number of European matters and the bilateral contacts in a European context. Iotova thanked Hungary for its firm support for Bulgaria's Schengen membership, as well as for the protection of the Bulgarian-Turkish border. The Vice President described as unsatisfactory the EU-wide migration policy. The sides shared the position on double standards in the European Union and the development of a multi-speed Europe.
Kövér raised the issue of the increased transit fees for the transmission of natural gas through Bulgaria. He described this decision as an unexpected and unfriendly step, which seriously raises the issue of Hungary's energy security, and on the eve of winter. Iotova recalled Wednesday's strong reaction of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to the decision of the country's parliament and government. "It is extremely important for the presidential institution that Bulgaria guarantees its own and Europe's energy security," Yotova said and recalled that in mid-September, in the presence of President Radev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the field of LNG supply and trade was signed between Bulgargaz and MVM CEEnergy.
"It is possible that the decision on the increased transit fees will have negative consequences for Bulgaria domestically, as well as violations related to Community legislation," Iotova said. She expressed the hope that after a reasonable assessment and through talks, as befits two partner and friendly countries, the problems that have arisen can be resolved.
/DS/
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