Germany is an important economic and strategic partner of Bulgaria
12 August 2014 News
Germany is an important economic and strategic partner of Bulgaria. The two countries have developed excellent relations and we are willing to work together for their improvement and expansion, said Minister Daniel Mitov at the first protocol meeting today with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sofia, Detlef Lingeman.
Many Bulgarian citizens are living and working in Germany and we highly appreciate their contribution to our economy, said Ambassador Lingeman. He pointed out that Germany is the biggest trade partner of Bulgaria, adding that there is still untapped potential in the field of investments.
The Foreign Minister and the German Ambassador discussed the specific priorities and tasks of the caretaker government. Among the topics of conversation was the nomination of Kristalina Georgieva for a second term as member of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs. "She has done a great job during her term in office as EU Commissioner and deserves high evaluation for her work. Commissioner Georgieva is well known worldwide and well aware of the developments outside of Europe," said Daniel Mitov.
The organization of the elections abroad which is one of the main tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the term in office of the caretaker government, was also among the issues discussed at the meeting. Minister Mitov expressed the government’s commitment to provide the necessary conditions for Bulgarians abroad, including in Germany, to exercise their right to vote.
Minister Mitov and Ambassador Lingeman exchanged views on a number of issues on the European agenda, including the situation in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the Russian Federation. They commented also the topic of energy security and Minister Mitov emphasized the need for a common EU energy strategy and targeted efforts aimed at gas supply diversification.
They discussed also the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the developments in Iraq and a possible refugee flow to our country as a result of the expansion of the conflict. The Foreign Minister said that as external border of the EU, Bulgaria would be subject to the most intense pressure and will rely on the solidarity and support of the EU Member States in order to address the challenge. We expect a positive decision on our accession to the Schengen area, said Minister Mitov.
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