26.02.2020
There is nothing better in the European Union than for Member States to demonstrate friendship, closeness, connect their energy systems, road ties, cooperate in the fields of ecology, defense, security. This is what Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said during a joint statement with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Alexandroupoli. The Prime Minister put an emphasis on the friendly relations between Bulgaria and Greece. Borissov congratulated the Greek Prime Minister on behalf of EC President Ursula von der Leyen, who also congratulated Bulgaria on its macroeconomic stability.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted Bulgaria's and Greece's partnership in the area of energy. The Prime Minister reminded that our country had invested money and became a partner of the state-owned energy company of Greece in the liquefied gas terminal. Borissov also added that it is important this year to have an interconnector through which liquefied gas can be transported from different sources. "We are doing the Balkan Stream in parallel. It is important because Bulgaria, apart from being a liquefied gas customer, as a hub for Greece, the south-north axis, enables this terminal to carry gas through Bulgaria and diversify Serbia, Hungary, Austria. My Greek colleagues and I are building gas highways. The pipes are there, they are being built, ”Prime Minister Borissov was certain. The Bulgarian Prime Minister emphasized on the geostrategic importance of the south-north axis.
According to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, it is necessary to give an impetus to the development of the cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece in terms of business and tourism. According to him, in the field of defense and security in the future common air policing could be developed. "Bulgaria has had zero migration for 4 years now," the Prime Minister noted, adding that the measures taken by the Greek side had calmed the entire region. "We also work extremely well and actively with our counterparts from the Turkish border authorities," the Bulgarian Prime Minister said. Borissov added that the opening of a new border checkpoint is good for our neighborly relations with Greece. "We support both the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania in keeping up with the commitments, but they have to abide by their commitments, which they have made to Greece and Bulgaria as well," Prime Minister Borissov concluded.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis, in turn, emphasised that today's meeting is an appropriate occasion to confirm the excellent level of bilateral cooperation, which also marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "Our two countries have decided to walk together on the path of peace and development," Mitsotakis noted. He underlined the presence of Greek business in Bulgaria and also congratulated Prime Minister Borissov on the development of the Bulgarian economy. Mitsotakis pointed out that Bulgaria is a favorite destination for Greek tourists, as well as that many Bulgarians visit Greece and there are many prospects for development in this area. The Greek Prime Minister also focused on transport connectivity, energy and security. Mitsotakis also drew attention to the similar positions of the two countries on a number of topics on the European agenda and the European perspective of the Western Balkans. We remain pillars of peace and stability in our region, the Greek Prime Minister was certain.
