13.06.2017
Bulgaria and Turkey are two friendly and allied states, which have stable relations, common points of interest and very well developed close relations. We will continue to further develop these relations on a level to the benefit of both our people. We will work effectively for the prosperity of our region. This was said by the Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yildirim during the press conference he held together with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at Cankaya Residence in Ankara. Yildirim congratulated Borissov and wished him and the Bulgarian government success.
“After Berlin and Paris, Ankara has its token – Bulgaria is on the border between Europe and Asia. Europe is our European family, whereas Turkey is our biggest European neighbor,” said Prime Minister Borissov. According to him, during the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU it is important that efforts are made for the normalization of the relations between the EU and Turkey. “This is related to the Customs Union, the Black Sea region cooperation, and the huge investments that Turkey has in Bulgaria. I am convinced that with common efforts we can normalize this process,” said the Bulgarian Prime Minister and added: “We can insist on a good tone of communication between our family and our neighbor. There must be trust towards Turkey. If we manage to convey this attitude even to part of our European countries and colleagues, this in itself will be a success.”
Prime Minister Borissov was categorical that Bulgaria and Turkey can in practice be a role-model for good neighborly relations. He expressed his optimism that his colleagues within the EU will gradually normalize the relations, thereby pointing out the importance of the economy and the huge trade volume between Turkey and the EU.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the fact that today’s talks with the Turkish Prime Minister entailed finding points of closer positions on a number of issues, including the energy projects.
Borissov also reminded about the huge pressure of the refugee influx on the border. He underlined that the low pressure at the moment is a result of the agreement between Turkey and the EU and of the Turkish efforts to retain the refugees.
Prime Minister Yildirim noted the attempt at coup d’etat from June last year. “Europe reacted, I would say, with silence, but you and Bulgaria openly condemned these actions, you did not limit yourself to this, but in a short period you visited Turkey and demonstrated solidarity with our people, government, and president. Thank you for your support,” he said.
According to Prime Minister Yildirim, Prime Minister Borissov’s demonstration of an open and friendly attitude towards the Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin is an honorable behavior on his part. “You provide them with support and you are a guarantor and a factor that limits extreme radical actions,” he added.
The Turkish Prime Minister also put a focus on the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2018, which according to him is important for the European perspective of Turkey. “Bulgaria until the current moment has contributed to strengthening regional stability and the support for us, we hope this will continue in the future,” said Yildirim.
