20.01.2021
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selaković who is on an official visit to Bulgaria.
Relations between Bulgaria and Serbia have always been friendly and pragmatic, and in the context of the coronavirus pandemic they have become even more dynamic,” Bulgaria’s Prime Minister said at the start of the talks. Boyko Borissov recalled Bulgaria’s support to Serbia at the very outbreak of the spread of the virus – reusable medical protective clothing needed for the medical staff engaged in the fight against the coronavirus. The Prime Minister noted the EU’s financial support to the countries in the Western Balkans; the support was provided to meet the urgent needs of medical equipment and for the purpose of social and economic recovery.
The discussion was about projects of key importance for both countries such as Europe Motorway, the Balkan Stream and the start of the construction of the Interconnector Bulgaria-Serbia (IBS). The interconnection will supply Serbia with liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the terminal in Alexandroupolis where Bulgaria holds a 20% share. The pipeline on Bulgarian territory will be 62 kilometers long and its cost is approximately BGN 144 million subject to public procurement. Bulgaria’s Prime Minister pointed out that despite the difficulties that the global pandemic caused, work is in progress. “These projects are exceptionally important for the connectivity, infrastructure and energy cooperation between Bulgaria and Serbia and for the region and Europe alike,” Boyko Borissov stressed. The Prime Minister recalled for his guest that only a few months before he personally informed Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić about the fast-tracked works on Europe Motorway and the Balkan Stream. Prime Minister Borissov noted that regional cooperation in all sectors remains the cornerstone of the achievement of peace, stability and prosperity for the Western Balkans.
Bulgaria’s support for Serbia’s European path was likewise discussed at the meeting. “Progress is possible only on the basis of own merits and individual achievements in meeting the criteria,” Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted confidently. The Prime Minister mentioned that Bulgaria has always helped and will continue to support all its neighbors for the sake of the social and economic prosperity of the nations in the region.
