site.btaPresident Radev: Bulgaria and Hungary Continue to Work Together for Peace, Security in EU; Diplomatic Efforts Must Be Made to End Ukraine War

Bulgaria and Hungary continue to work together for peace and security in the EU, and the war in Ukraine remains the most serious risk for the two countries, which is why diplomatic efforts must be made to end it, according to the shared position of the Presidents of Bulgaria and Hungary, Rumen Radev and Tamás Sulyok, as quoted by Radev's Press Secretariat. Radev is on an official visit to Budapest.

"Diplomatic instruments must be found as soon as possible to end the war in Ukraine. This will not be done with more weapons, it will not be done by sending troops from NATO member states," Radev said at a media briefing after the meeting with his Hungarian counterpart.

In Radev's words, ending the war will happen with more efforts to find peaceful solutions.
Radev expressed hope that Hungary, as the EU Council president, will defend the consensus on the European path of North Macedonia, reached by 2022, to be respected.

According to him, migrant pressure is a common risk for the whole EU, and this means a common commitment of all member states. “Only effective, collective mechanisms to protect our common border can effectively address migrant pressure,” Radev said and thanked Hungary for its active efforts to protect the EU's external borders.

Regarding the economy, President Radev pointed out that Hungary is Bulgaria's priority economic partner and noted the growing trade, which, in his words, has already exceeded EUR 2.5 billion. He stressed that along with traditional areas of cooperation such as trade and banking, opportunities for cooperation in the field of high technologies are opening up. 

The President also said that cooperation in the fields of education and culture was also discussed.

“The key element in our economic relations is energy. Bulgaria will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy resources to Hungary,” Radev said, stressing that the country's efforts to improve energy connectivity with Hungary's neighbours are working for Hungary. He gave the example of the gas interconnector with Greece, with Serbia and noted that they contribute to Hungary's energy security and diversification. 

Both sides share the belief that nuclear energy is a key factor in achieving energy security and a sustainable transition to a green economy, Radev told the briefing.