Kristian Vigenin: The Summit in Vilnius will sent a strong signal of support to the Eastern Partners
25 November 2013 News
Bulgaria considers the Eastern Partnership as a crucial part of the European Neighborhood Policy. By launching this initiative, the EU sent a strong political signal of solidarity and the long-term strategy of convergence and integration was outlined. This was said by Minister Kristian Vigenin during his lecture at the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria on the topic "Eastern Partnership - an investment in a stable and prosperous European area." The Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze who is on official visit to Sofia at the invitation of her Bulgarian counterpart also took part at the discussion.
Minister Vigenin outlined the many positive changes that the Eastern Partnership has brought to the EU and its eastern neighbors. The Bulgarian top diplomat welcomed the forthcoming initialling of the Association Agreements, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, at the Summit in Vilnius, which will be held on 27 - 28 November. He expressed the disappointment of Bulgaria at the decision of the Ukrainian government to suspend the preparation for signing the Association Agreement with the EU. „Ukraine has the sovereign right to choose freely its path of development, but we are convinced that the future of the country lies in the strong relations with the European Union„ emphasized Kristian Vigenin.
In the words of the Foreign Minister, it is essential that the Association Agreements with the Republic of Moldova and Georgia will be signed within the mandate of the current European Commission. „Such an approach would emphasize our desire for the political association and the economic integration of the EU partner countries to become an irreversible process, which is beneficial both to the Eastern Partnership countries and their people," he said.
According to Minister Vigenin, the dialogue with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus should continue, although these three countries are less ambitious in their intentions to reach closer to the EU. „The modernization of the societies in these countries should continue with respect to the principles of democracy, rule of law, human rights and good governance," he added.
In his lecture, the Foreign Minister expressed the expectations of Bulgaria from the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. „We consider the meeting as an opportunity to assess the progress to date and as a starting point for future commitments and challenges. The agreements on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area are an important step towards one more ambitious goal - to create a common economic space of the Eastern Partnership countries and the EU," Kristian Vigenin said.
According to him, in the long term we expect our eastern neighbors to achieve socio- economic stability, sustainable democratic institutions, strong civil society, and improved infrastructure. „The open market, the economic integration and the political dialogue and stability would make these countries predictable and desirable economic partners," he said.
Bulgaria supports the European choice of the partner countries. A clearer delineation of the European perspective to them will serve as a powerful incentive for transformation and reform throughout the region, said in conclusion Minister Vigenin, emphasizing the strong commitment of Bulgaria to continue to assist in the social, economic and political reforms, by sharing its own experience. „This assistance will be extended in the coming years, both bilaterally and through our participation in multilateral formats," added the Foreign Minister.
"I am convinced that the Summit in Vilnius will demonstrate the EU's commitment to the Eastern partners and will sent a strong signal of support, while not closing the doors for those still hesitant," concluded Vigenin.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Maia Panjikidze pointed out in her statement that for her country there is no other alternative than the European and Euro-Atlantic orientation. „Vilnius is not the end but only the beginning of a long journey. This meeting will have an impact on the history of Georgia for years to come”, she said. According to Minister Panjikidze, the Association Agreement is not just another international document but a cornerstone, a symbol of freedom, democracy and political pluralism. „Georgia needs the strong support of our friends such as Bulgaria, whose success serves as an inspiration for us", said the Georgian Foreign Minister.
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