31.01.2020
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had a telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The conversation took place in the presence of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Valeri Simeonov.
"We highly praise the excellent relations between Bulgaria and Ukraine, which are characterized by mutual respect and friendly cooperation, developing dynamically and beneficially in recent years," Prime Minister Borissov told Zelensky. The Bulgarian Prime Minister pointed out that cultural, religious and linguistic similarities, as well as shared values, play an essential role in the proven connection between the two countries.
During the telephone conversation Prime Minister Boyko Borissov noted that Bulgaria is consistent in its strong support for both the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Prime Minister Borissov emphasised that our country was among the first countries to ratify the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine and to support the introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens traveling in the EU.
"A very important and constructive element of our bilateral relations is the over 200 000 Bulgarian community in Ukraine, which we have always regarded as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between our countries," Prime Minister Borissov was certain.
Prime Minister Borissov and Valeri Simeonov pointed out to President Zelensky that it is of the utmost importance that the Bolhrad region, populated mainly by Ukrainian citizens of Bulgarian descent, maintain its administrative and functional integrity within its current borders as an independent district. The Prime Minister also added that it is of a great importance for the children from the Bolgrad area to study Bulgarian. A focus was also put on improving the infrastructure in the region, which directly affects its economic development.
"I am certain that the continuation of the policy of preserving the traditions, language, culture and customs of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine is the best guarantee that the Bulgarian national minority will continue to play a key role in the cooperation of Ukraine with Bulgaria and the EU," said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. An emphasis of the telephone conversation was the realization of the agreement reached between the two countries to open a Bulgarian school in Odessa.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and President Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to work even harder on all these issues of mutual interest. A high-level Bulgarian delegation will soon visit Ukraine to discuss the topics raised. In turn, President Zelensky invited Prime Minister Borissov to visit him in Ukraine.
