Velislava Petrova: Connectivity and Regional Cooperation Are a Strategic Investment in the Future of the Balkans
25 September 2026 News
Regional cooperation, strategic connectivity and resilience in the Balkans were the focus of a series of meetings and multilateral formats attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
During a quadrilateral meeting of the Balkan EU Member States, Minister Petrova held talks with Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis, and Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The European agenda, EU enlargement and connectivity were among the main topics discussed.
Minister Petrova also participated in a meeting held within the framework of the Central European Initiative and the South-East European Cooperation Process, dedicated to regional cooperation in a changing world and to achieving stability, resilience and sustainable growth through trust and tangible results.
“The Balkans must shape their own future through strong partnerships, strategic connectivity and resilient societies,” Minister Petrova said.
She emphasised that transport, energy and digital connectivity are key both to the region’s economic development and to its strategic resilience.
“Europe has shown that borders can be turned into bridges. We must build such bridges in the Balkans as well – not simply as a vision for the future, but as a necessity today,” Minister Petrova stated.
Bulgaria will continue to work towards regional cooperation that delivers tangible results for the region’s security, economic development and connectivity.
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