Minister Kristian Vigenin held talks with the Ambassador of Austria Gerhard Reiweger
25 October 2013 News
The bilateral relations, with emphasis on economic cooperation, the European perspective for the Western Balkans and the refugee situation in Bulgaria as a result of the humanitarian crisis in Syria were among the main topics discussed today by Minister Kristian Vigenin and the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Bulgaria Gerhard Reiweger. "The government bears its responsibility for the refugee problem. We have taken all necessary measures to remedy the situation," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said. Austria is among the member states that will assist our country within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and at the beginning of the next week a truckload of material assistance to the refugees is expected to arrive in Bulgaria. "We are grateful for all the support we have received. It is a testament to the solidarity of our partners. People are appreciating it, " he said.
Kristian Vigenin and Ambassador Reiweger discussed the bilateral relations, stressing the need for a more active work in the field of economic cooperation and attracting foreign investments in the country. The Bulgarian government is working hard towards improving the business climate, stimulating the interest of major foreign investors, including Austrian companies, said Kristian Vigenin.
Bulgaria supports the European perspective of the Western Balkans, including the Republic of Macedonia. Vigenin informed Ambassador Reiweger on the progress of the negotiations between the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria on the good neighbourly relations and co-operationcontract. “Stable bilateral relations, however, cannot be built only on infrastructure projects. There is a need of trust and understanding, “ he said.
Minister Vigenin and Austrian Ambassador stressed the importance of the Danube Strategy for ensuring better prospects for development, not only regionally, but also in the European context. They emphasized the need for closer cooperation on priority issues for both countries in this area.