The European integration in the Western Balkans is a national interest, both for the candidate countries for membership and the members of the European Union, agreed at today’s meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bujar Osmani and his Bulgarian counterpart Teodora Genchovska, which is part of the high government delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria, led by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who is paying an official visit to the country today, MIA writes.

 

 

According to the Foreign Ministry, the two ministers stressed that they remain committed to the process of bringing the region closer to the European Union, emphasizing the importance of good neighborliness and regional cooperation, as an investment in the common European future.

– The renewed dialogue between the two Governments was welcomed at the meeting, as well as the importance of continuing the intensive communication at a high level, and it was expressed confidence that the new dynamics in contacts will lead to the necessary upgrading of bilateral relations. foreign affairs.

The talks focused on the upcoming joint session of the governments of the two countries, which will be held in Sofia on January 25, as well as introducing new dynamics in the cooperation through the application of the concept of working groups, where specific areas in which there is potential for progress are considered. By doing so, the statement said, the two countries would send a clear signal that there is a strong will for progress and mutual understanding, in the spirit of good neighborliness and European values.

– The visit takes place on the 30th anniversary of the first recognition of the independence of our country, which came from the Republic of Bulgaria, but this is the first visit of Prime Minister Petkov to the Western Balkans in general, which sends a very important and valuable message to our relations, but no less important for our dynamic and I believe a different approach in overcoming the challenges we face, said Minister Osmani after the meeting, adding that it is “important to identify concrete steps for cooperation, through initiatives, activities and projects in many “Soon, the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other departments will give their concrete contribution.”

In terms of economic cooperation, the ministers welcomed the growth of trade between the two countries by 30 percent during 2021 and expressed their expectations that in 2022 the positive growth rate of the two economies and trade between the two countries will be maintained. them, as well as the positive trend in new investments, which should be supported by both countries.

Source: MIA