08.01.2020
Within one single day, we were with our geostrategic partners the USA, we were also with our neighbors. And with all of them we have achieved cooperation and mutual projects that bring prosperity, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told reporters after returning from Istanbul, where he participated in the opening ceremony of the TurkStream pipeline.
"Today is an important day for the Bulgaria-US relations, a strategic day for at least the next 10 years, at the current turbulent time," Prime Minister Borissov said after the first session of the Bulgaria-US Strategic Dialogue was carried out earlier the same day. The Prime Minister pointed out that actions were taken and planned to leave Bulgaria on the map of the gas distribution system of Europe, as well as in all other spheres - defense, security, rule of law. Efforts are also underway regarding the abolition of US visas for Bulgaria.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov also pointed out that a preliminary contract was also signed today for the purchase and sale by Bulgartransgaz EAD of 20% of the share capital of Gaztrade S.A., the utility company that will realize and operate the LNG terminal near Alexandroupolis, Northern Greece. Borissov also noted that our country is actively working on the interconnector with Greece, as well as on the Balkan Stream project. "Russian and Azeri gas, gas from anyone who can deliver to these gas highways, will flow through Balkan stream," the Prime Minister said and added that all European rules were complied with. "We are building the Bulgarian gas transmission network," Prime Minister Borissov emphasised and pointed out that our country has an interest in completing the inter-connectors as soon as possible.
Asked by the media about the situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Borissov noted that he supports peace and diplomatic decisions. In his words, it is important for innocent people to not be killed and for military conflicts to not continue. "Peace for the region is extremely important and will only brings prosperity," the Prime Minister said.
Asked about his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Borissov highlighted three of the topics discussed during the talks - infrastructure, energy and migration. Borisov drew attention to the work on expanding the border checkpoints in view of the increased traffic of large goods vehicles. "I committed to expanding the Kalotina border checkpoint, to expanding the Andreevo border checkpoint, Lesovo," the Prime Minister noted.
Asked by the media about the relationship between the three presidents with whom Prime Minister Borissov spoke in Istanbul today, he noted: "They consider me a friend - as well as a friend of Trump, as well as a friend of Brussels. Because every one of my actions is subordinated first to the interest of Bulgaria and second to the community that we have accepted to be a part of - the EU and NATO." Thirdly, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted that confidence is important for the development of bilateral relations.
