Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova participated in a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
20 May 2022 News
"Russia's aggression against Ukraine has reminded us in a cruel way that freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights cannot be taken for granted", said Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova during a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. , which took place on May 20, 2022 in Turin.
Deputy Minister Petrova stressed that the attack on a neighboring country, hate speech, propaganda, misinformation and distortion of history cannot be instruments of international relations. She used the opportunity to inform about the actions taken by the Bulgarian government in support of Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees.
Adherence to high morals and upholding democratic values comes at a high political and economic cost, said Deputy Minister Petrova. She pointed out that in one day Bulgaria moved from an almost completely dependent on Russian gas supplies to one with zero dependence as a result of a unilateral violation of an existing bilateral agreement.
Deputy Minister Petrova stressed that the attempt to use economic means to pressure and undermine the international legal order is a test of our solidarity and unity, a test of which we must not fail if we want to show democratic stability. She added that the latter is even more valid in the context of successive health and economic crises, as well as the growing erosion of multilateralism. The Council of Europe must continue to make its adequate contribution in this regard and serve as a guardian of our shared values, said the Deputy Minister.
Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova also marked the 30th anniversary of the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Council of Europe, recalling that our country's membership in the organization has complemented and supported major reforms that have helped restore democracy in the Republic of Bulgaria and integration. in NATO and the EU.
The Committee of Ministers unanimously condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, supported its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and stressed the need for unity and solidarity in upholding the values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
During her visit, Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Andorra Maria Ubak Font, as well as a working meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Italy, Mr. Todor Stoyanov and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria. Piedmont region, Mr. Gianni Maria Stornello.
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