site.btaUPDATED Deputy PM: Bulgaria Must Finally Develop Foreign Policy Strategy

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel Saturday said that Bulgaria must finally develop a foreign policy strategy. She was speaking at a GERB National Winter Academy themed "Leadership and Peace: Responsibilities and Challenges for Women in Leadership" and held in the town of Kazanlak (Central Bulgaria). Gabriel said that this strategy should arise as a consensus in society and take everyone’s opinion into account, from innovators and young people to diplomats and experts. She added that Bulgaria must clearly identify the areas that will bring added value and where coherent policy will be adopted.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that this country has two clear goals: to be a reliable and trustworthy partner in the European Union and NATO, and to become a regional innovation leader. Gabriel stressed that Bulgaria must have an active voice in decision-making, setting the direction and defending its interests.

Gabriel pointed out that the topic of digital diplomacy will gain prominence, adding that Bulgaria has an active role in the creation of an innovation fund in NATO. She underscored the importance of the Three Seas Initiative as part of which Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania signed a joint declaration in New York and added that the goal is to improve connectivity in this region.

"We are also setting a new direction in foreign policy with strategic partnerships," Gabriel said. She noted that after a three-year break, Bulgaria has held a second high-level Strategic Dialogue with the US, focusing on energy, defence, and innovation. Gabriel recalled that a strategic partnership has also been signed between Bulgaria and the UK, adding that the two countries will cooperate in innovation and education for the first time.

She said that a major goal for 2024 is to take the strategic partnerships with India, Japan and Canada to a new level. Gabriel noted that Bulgaria has great strength in innovation, and this should be the focus when strategic partnerships are being built upon.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that it is important that Bulgaria become a regional innovation leader, adding that this country can accelerate the European integration of the Western Balkan countries if there is good cooperation. “As far as North Macedonia is concerned, green light will be given after the constitutional amendments are adopted and the processes expected from them are accelerated,” Gabiel further noted.

She pointed out that Bulgaria should position itself as a provider of world-class products and services. "In addition to product innovation, work must be done in the field of education, because they go hand in hand," Gabriel said, adding that her Ministry will sign agreements with a number of universities.

Apart from Gabriel, attending the event are also GERB Leader Boyko Borissov, Association of Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria Head Yordanka Fandakova, and Kazanlak Mayor Galina Stoyanova, among others. Keynote speakers include GERB Deputy Leader Tomislav Donchev and MPs Krasimir Valchev, Denitsa Sacheva, and Ekaterina Zaharieva. The main topics of discussion include education, economy, technological development, women in local government, the war in Ukraine, etc.

Speaking at the forum, GERB Leader Boyko Borrisov expressed his party’s support for Ukraine. "Up until the war broke out, we have always followed a balanced policy of good-neighbourliness with all countries," he said. Borissov added that when one country attacks civilians and tries to take over another country, "we should be mindful of what might happen in the Balkans and that is why our stance is clear: support for Ukraine". Commenting on the relocation of the Soviet Army Monument in Sofia, Borissov said that he agrees that it should be put on display at the Museum of Socialist Art.