The Prime Minister paid a working visit to Bulgaria, where he met the President of the Republic Rumen Radev and the newly elected Prime Minister Kiril Petkov. This was the first visit of a European, and in general of a foreign official, following the formation of the new government under Mr Petkov.
Talks were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, which is indicative of the close cooperation relationship between the two countries. Topics of common interest were examined, with emphasis on the sectors of energy, transports, as well as the cooperation in the crucial issue of the protection and safeguard of borders.
Also on the agenda was the completion of the IGB Natural Gas Interconnector, as well as the railway and road connection between the two countries.
The two sides reaffirmed their support to the European perspective of the countries of Western Balkans, provided that they fulfill the conditions and criteria for joining the EU, and pointed out their will to cooperate in this direction.
The Prime Minister stressed that Greece has been supporting the Enlargement Policy in Western Balkans for the benefit of peace and stability in the region and pointed out he is looking forward to Bulgaria’s assistance for the conducting of EU Intergovernmental Conferences with Albania and North Macedonia.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed deep concern on the rising illegal behavior of Turkey, through acts that blatantly violate the International Law. He also referred to the increasing challenges in the region, due to the rise of migration flows and he expressed the expectation that the EU takes additional measures in that context.
Finally, there was a reference to holding the 5th High Level Cooperation Council between Greece and Bulgaria in 2022, provided that the epidemiological conditions allow its organization.
