Teodora Genchovska in Zagreb: the 12-century friendship between Bulgaria and Croatia continues
21 April 2022 News.jpeg)
“This year we celebrate 30 years of mutual support and mutual assistance between Bulgaria and Croatia. During this period, the two countries have come a long way and today they are friends and allies in the EU and NATO, and the 12-century friendship between them continues.” This is what Foreign Minister Teodora Gencovska said at a joint press conference with her Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić-Radman, which took place in Zagreb.
Both ministers expressed the common will to deepen the relations between the two countries, which will continue to support each other in the future amid the global challenges, which both Europe and the whole world face.
Minister Genchovska underlined that Bulgaria has always firmly supported Croatia from the period of declaring, recognising and protecting its independence and territorial integrity until its accession to the EU, NATO and international organisations. “Partnership between Bulgaria and Croatia is developing within the EU and NATO. Sofia and Zagreb should commit to working towards a new strategic dimension by deepening and strengthening their cooperation in key areas such as security and defence, trade and economic ties, tourism, education, science and culture”, our first diplomat said. Teodora Gencovska and Gordan Grlić-Radman will work together for the accession of both countries to Schengen, the Eurozone and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine, agreeing that Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military incursion into Ukraine has created a new geostrategic reality that undermines the European security.
Among the topics discussed was the Three Seas Initiative. “The initiative provides great opportunities for connectivity between countries, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Its potential can be used in terms of energy connectivity and Bulgaria and Croatia can work in this direction”, the Bulgarian foreign minister said. She added that Bulgaria and Croatia are among the strongest supporters of the European integration of the Western Balkan countries.
During her visit to Croatia, Minister Genchovska also met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and representatives of the Bulgarian community. She also visited the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, where the Croatian side expressed personal gratitude to Bulgaria for the financial assistance provided to the academy for the reconstruction after the earthquakes in the country in 2020.
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