Bulgaria is loyal, predictable and reliable partner in the EU
02 February 2015 News
Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov held a working meeting today with the ambassadors of the EU Member States in Bulgaria at the invitation of Ambassador Ilgvars Klava of Latvia, which is holding the rotating EU Presidency. The participants discussed issues on the international agenda, including the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the Western Balkans and regional security, economic challenges to the EU, and the European Energy Union.
Minister Mitov said that the Bulgarian government gives clear and strong signals that it is ready for reforms and political stability, and is regaining the confidence of its international partners. He assured the ambassadors that Bulgaria is a predictable, reliable and loyal ally.
The participants agreed that only the implementation of the Minsk agreements can de-escalate the Ukraine conflict, and that only a united and cohesive EU can meet the new challenges. The European diplomats discussed the implementation of the decisions of the NATO Wales Summit, with Minister Mitov stressing the need to modernize the Bulgarian armed forces in order to make them interoperable with those of the Alliance.
Minister Mitov informed about the strong migration pressure on Bulgaria and asked the ambassadors for support and assistance. He expressed hope that the EU countries are aware of Bulgaria's efforts to defend EU's external borders, which the country is doing in a perfect manner.
Asked about regional cooperation, Minister Mitov said that for Bulgaria it is a key instrument for regional security and stability. He reaffirmed Bulgaria's position on the EU membership of the Western Balkan countries and emphasized that their European perspective has no alternative.
Talking about energy security, the Foreign Minister said that creating European Energy Union is one of its key components and a matter of strategic importance for Bulgaria. He pointed out that the construction of gas interconnectors with Bulgaria's neighbours is a key priority. "Our national interest now requires that we attract investments, guarantee supplies and redistribution, and build interconnectors with Greece and Romania," Mitov said.
In conclusion, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister thanked the European Commission and the EU Member States for the credit of confidence granted to the government in the latest EC report under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, and assured the ambassadors that Bulgaria will continue to work on the implementation of the necessary reforms.