Norwegian Ambassador to Bulgaria: True Democratic, Economic Sustainability Require Significant Efforts to Fight Corruption

Momchil Rusev

Anti-Corruption, Democratic Resilience and Economic Security Forum in Sofia on November 9, 2023 (BTA Photo)

Sofia,

09.11.2023 12:02

(BTA)

True democratic and economic sustainability require significant efforts to fight corruption, said Norwegian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova Siri Barry at the opening of the Anti-Corruption, Democratic Resilience and Economic Security Forum in Sofia on Thursday. The event is organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy.

The fight against corruption is important for Norwegian foreign policy, Berry added. She noted that one of the main objectives of the Norway Grants is to contribute to greater socio-economic equality, both within and between countries. Strong and sustainable societies depend on state institutions, which must be accountable and transparent as well as effective and efficient. Corruption is an abuse of power that diverts resources, diminishes trust and impedes economic development, Berry pointed out.

The event was also attended by Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi, Justice Minister Atanas Slavov, Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov, Interior Ministry Secretary General Zhivko Kotsev, representatives of the Bulgarian office of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, as well as Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and others.

/MR/