SOFIA/BRUSSELS – The new Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation between the EU and the US during a recent meeting with his counterparts in Brussels.
He highlighted the necessity for a constructive agenda in transatlantic relations, focusing on shared interests in areas such as economics, security, defense, energy, and addressing mutual challenges to peace. The Minister stressed that it is vital for EU-US collaboration in the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region to continue and expand, as this partnership plays a stabilizing role in Eastern Europe.
Georgiev reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, No initiative regarding Ukraine should move forward without the involvement of Ukraine itself and the EU. He underscored the importance of continuing assistance to Kyiv in its EU integration efforts and condemned the ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Minister noted that a new strategy for the Black Sea region is essential for Bulgaria.
He also engaged with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Policy Marta Kos to discuss the European integration processes for Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, and Moldova, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bulgaria maintains a consistent policy of supporting the European integration of all candidate nations while adhering to the principle of meritocracy and fulfilling previously established agreements, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister stated.
He added that trust between EU membership candidates and the EU must be built on tangible results and progress, which is crucial for the success of the integration process.
Additionally, during the EU Council meeting, Georgiev conversed with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and held discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Romania and Italy. (January 27)
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