06.09.2017
Today is one of the most cherished holidays in Bulgaria, when we commemorate the Unification. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Greece we continue to increase the connectivity of transport and energy hubs, the opportunities for the development of tourism, for the business, the movement of people and capital in our region. This was said by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov after the signing in Kavala of the Memorandum for the development of the railway connection “Thessaloniki-Kavala-Alexandropoulos-Burgas-Varna-Ruse”. Prime Minister Borissov expressed confidence that the project will be defended before the European Commission and will turn into a good facility in the future. “Together with Alexis, we can play an important role in the common Balkan policy to be forged,” added the Prime Minister. He pointed out that in October a meeting will be requested with the EC President Jean-Claude Juncker, whereby the ideas for the development of the region will be presented and support will be sought.
On the occasion of the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, Prime Minister Borissov noted that our country regards it as a Balkan Presidency. “We have the rare opportunity to show that there are political elites, reasonable people that can put an end to contradictions and turn the Balkans from a powder keg into a prosperous region,” said Prime Minister Borissov. According to him, when Europe is united, there is prosperity. “History is history, everyone insists on their national values and priorities, but now we are part of the European family and other Balkan states are willing to get there. We might not be ideal, but we are much better than ten years ago and we are an extremely reliable border of the EU,” highlighted Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
I thank Prime Minister Borissov that we have a common line in decision-making and we take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves before us, noted the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. According to him, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is of significance not only for the two countries but also for the region. “We are achieving results on major issues and we can serve as a role-model,” said Tsipras. According to him, by connecting three big Greek ports with Ruse, Varna, and Burgas the agreement will cater to long-standing constant needs for the past ten years. “The agreement is a strong encouragement for the movement in the region as a whole. This is a big step so the Balkan countries can be part of the European space of security and stability,” said Tsipras. He added that the Memorandum also foresees that a joint company will manage the railway; whereby this will be the first time such a procedure for the implementation of an infrastructure project is utilized. The Greek Prime Minister noted that new horizons for the energy map of Europe are being revealed. He also added that these issues are to be discussed on the ministerial level in the future. Tsipras confirmed the willingness for close cooperation within the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which Greece also considers a Balkan Presidency.
