Madame Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Dear Mariya,
Thank you for your warm welcome.
This may be my first visit to our friend, neighbor and ally, Bulgaria, yet we share months of intense and multifaceted cooperation, for which I warmly thank you.
It would be an oversight on my part if I did not highlight from this podium the Minister’s diligence and effectiveness in the service of her country, significantly upgrading its international standing, as well as her deep commitment to European values and to the vision of European integration.
In particular, I would like to refer to the successes she has achieved during her tenure. Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen zone for air and sea transport, the substantial progress in terms of Bulgaria's accession to the OECD, as well as to the Eurozone.
In times of successive crises but also of serious challenges ahead of us, such as the European Parliament elections, the formation of the new institutions, the implementation of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the progress of the integration process, the Minister's pro-European and leadership qualities are absolutely essential to us.
Dear Madame Minister,
Today, we had the opportunity to reaffirm the excellent level in the strategic character of the bilateral relations between Greece and Bulgaria, which serve as a model of cooperation between two neighboring countries that share a common European future.
Indeed, I am confident that Bulgaria's full integration into the Schengen zone, which Greece will unconditionally support with specific initiatives it will undertake, will give further impetus to the relationship between the two countries, with the direct exchange of goods, services and people.
Greece and Bulgaria have already established an enviable exchange in terms of citizen movement, making the two destinations very attractive in both countries.
It is important for human interaction, for people-to-people politics, to further cultivate cultural exchanges, as well as academic exchanges of students and professors.
Our economic relations have an exceptionally high potential.
Already, Bulgaria is the second-largest export destination for Greece, while Greek investments are ranking third in Bulgaria. Together, we form a pivotal trans-European hub for transport, communications, and energy - sectors to which we attach clear priority on the basis of the North-South Corridor.
Our countries, dear Minister, have highlighted the importance of solidarity both bilaterally and in European level.
Greece supplied Bulgaria with natural gas in the spring of 2022, when Russia cut off supply, and in the period that followed we significantly deepened our energy cooperation. Notably, we launched the second electricity power interconnector in the summer of 2023, and we inaugurated the IGB interconnector pipeline in October 2022, contributing to a significant increase in the quantities of natural gas transported between our countries.
And of course, we are ready to be supplied with natural gas from the upcoming operation of the Alexandroupolis FSRU Terminal, a project that will positively transform the energy map in our wider region.
We have achieved a lot in the energy sector and we hope to build upon this positive momentum to achieve even more.
We also discussed the issue of the water management of the Arda River. I am hopeful for a prompt settlement of the issue in accordance with EU law, to the benefit of our countries, as well as the interconnectivity agreements between the two countries in the infrastructure sectors.
Of course, we discussed the worrying developments in our region and around the world.
Two years after Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, Greece and Bulgaria support Ukraine in its fight to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is not about a war between two countries but rather about defending the values of liberal democracy and International Law against revisionism and aggression.
At the same time, in the Middle East, the principles of humanitarianism are currently being tested, with tragic civilian casualties and the use of hostages as a negotiating tool, violating every notion of human dignity. Each additional day of conflict exacerbates an already dramatic situation.
Both our countries share the same principled stance in our foreign policy based on adherence to International Law, with an emphasis on the rule of law and European integration.
In this regard, we support the European perspective of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. This perspective is based on the principle of own merits and adherence to the established criteria, particularly commitment to the European acquis, respect for International Law, adherence to agreed-upon terms and establishment of good neighborly relations.
It is not only geography that unites us, dear Madame Minister, but also a common understanding of fundamental principles.
And I would like to warmly thank you for your support of Greece’s participation in the Three Seas Initiative and the wider initiatives undertaken in the Black Sea region.
Dear Madame Minister, dear Mariya,
To conclude, I would like to express my confidence that, just as you left your personal mark as a member of the European Commission and as Foreign Minister, you will continue to do so after your inauguration as Prime Minister, maintaining your diligence and steadfast foreign policy positions, in a dynamic Bulgaria that is reforming and modernizing.
It would be our great honor to welcome you to Greece soon in your new capacity.
Thank you very much.
February 27, 2024