"We are taking every opportunity to explain the importance of the opening of land borders and the adoption of the euro in Bulgaria. We have full support in this respect," Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov told journalists after a series of talks on Saturday with European leaders in the framework of the Munich Security Conference, the Bulgarian Government reported.
Denkov held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and German Bundestag member Johann Wadephul. "Negotiations with Austria must continue so that their last objections disappear. This is part of our efforts to strengthen borders, to improve the fight against illegal migration," the Bulgarian Prime Minister added. In his talks with Johann Wadephul, Denkov was congratulated on the irreversible path towards full European integration that the Bulgarian Government is leading the country on. The German politician also welcomed Bulgaria's plan to adopt the euro on January 1, 2025 and the lifting of the Schengen land borders.
In Munich, the Bulgarian Prime Minister also held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna. In the course of their talks, Denkov said that Bulgaria remains a constant ally and supporter of the Ukrainian people.
The Bulgarian Government is determined to support Ukraine and recognises its legitimate right to defend its territorial interests, the Prime Minister was adamant. In his words, the most important principle upheld by Bulgaria is that of Ukraine's sovereign right to determine the terms and timing of negotiations with Russia.
"The whole political world, both in Europe and in the United States, is aware that Ukraine's predicament must be taken seriously and that action must be taken very quickly to support their efforts to stop Russian aggression. There is no doubt now, and everyone is saying this, that Ukraine is fighting not only for its own land, but also to uphold the principles of respect for international law, democracy and freedom, because that is now at stake," Denkov said after the meeting.
Denkov pointed out that Russian politicians no longer shy away from saying that they would look to other countries after Ukraine. "It is about time not only politicians but also people in Europe to understand that these dangers are real," the Prime Minister added.
He gave the example of the agreements that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed with the Chancellor of Germany and the President of France."These are just examples of how different countries, along with the EU as a whole, are looking for a way to help Ukraine in this battle for freedom," the Bulgarian Prime Minister noted.
Denkov also pointed out that the European defence should not be an alternative and should not compete with NATO, "but strengthen the Alliance in our region. Bulgaria is doing exactly that - we are modernising our army, we need to accelerate these efforts further. We need to integrate our capabilities with those of our neighbours as part of NATO's eastern flank", pointed out Denkov. According to him, it is very important to open the grain lanes so that grain can be exported to countries that need it.
On Friday, Denkov and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg discussed the obstacles to the lifting of land Schengen borders.
/MY/
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