14.12.2019
"I am pleased that, in the framework of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, we put a focus on the topic of the Western Balkans and as a result many developing processes have begun, and have made this topic the center of attention for my European and US colleagues." This is what Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, who participated in the Annual Western Balkans Resilience Forum, said. Prime Minister Borissov reminded the participants that in the past the relations in the region did not provoke any interest because of the wars. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the countries of the region would be sensible in their future behavior. "I expect that the other countries that want to join the EU and NATO to reasonably evaluate their behavior and future steps, a wide posture is not useful for anyone," added Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
Prime Minister Borissov also reminded that next year Bulgaria will co-host the Berlin Process initiative, where the topic of Balkan relations will be discussed again. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the continuation of the discussion by Croatia, where the Summit between EU leaders and Western Balkan leaders is expected to happen next year. Prime Minister Borissov emphasised that at the end of 2020 Bulgaria and the King of Jordan will host the Aqaba process, where measures to combat extremism and radicalism will be discussed.
During the forum, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov underlined the need to further develop the cooperation in the fight against extremism at the operational and political levels. "When we have political power, we have to create tools and work quickly regarding all these issues," Borissov said. In his words, it is important to strengthen security cooperation between the states from the region through work, friendship and trust. Prime Minister Borissov noted that Bulgaria is an example of ethnic tolerance and added that when there is security in the Balkans, investments and income will grow and work will be done smoothly.
Prime Minister Borissov emphasised to the media that this forum exemplifies the support for Bulgaria and the effort of the services in the fight against radicalism and extremism. "In a domestic context it is important to share the experiences of the services and the Ministry of Interior. The enemy is strong, it is common and there is no country, completely secure from it, "Prime Minister Borissov said.
