site.btaRadev Calls for Long-Term EU Support to Address West African Instability

The European Union should prioritize long-term solutions to support the stability of West African countries and improve the economic and social environment in the region, President Rumen Radev said during a meeting with the special envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron for West Africa, Jean-Marie Bockel, here on Thursday, Radev's press secretariat reported.

Radev said that Bulgaria supports France's efforts to maintain stability in West Africa and expressed concern about the worsening security situation in the region.

He stressed the need for joint European efforts that go beyond short-term security measures. He called for initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and strengthening key sectors such as education and healthcare, which are essential for creating opportunities for young people in West Africa. These efforts, he said, would enable the region's youth to envision a future and build careers in their home countries.

The President also underscored Bulgaria's active contributions to partnerships with African nations, particularly in agriculture, education, and healthcare. He reaffirmed Bulgaria's commitment to playing a role in addressing the root causes of instability and building sustainable progress in West Africa.