site.btaGreece's Development Minister: Greece Will Support Bulgaria's Bid for Eurozone Membership

Greece will support Bulgaria's bid for eurozone membership, just as it supported Bulgaria's bid for joining the Schengen area, Greece's Minister of Development Panagiotis Theodorikakos said during a business forum organized by the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Thursday.

Theodorikakos said: "We are two neighbouring countries connected by many things, with deep historical, cultural and geostrategic ties, but above all, we are bound by the strong common interests, visions and values that our two peoples share. We are very close neighbours, two members of the EU and NATO. Of course, this link is not limited to our centuries-old history, but [is also manifested] in our common goals for the development of the future." He pointed out that his country has fully supported the accession of Bulgaria to the Schengen area and will support Bulgaria's accession to the euro area as well.

The Minister said that Bulgaria and Greece should strengthen their cooperation and strengthen the presence of the European Union in South-Eastern Europe. He added that the two countries should take a leading role in the Balkans and play a joint role in the enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans.

Theodorikakos said that Bulgaria and Greece are called to cooperate even more closely in the coming years in the fields of defence, migration, energy. He added that 2025 could be a milestone in the development of bilateral cooperation.

Theodorikakos concluded that the two countries can ensure the creation of a region with greater cross-border security, more opportunities for growth and prosperity.