President Radev: Transport Connectivity Between China, Europe Is Most Important Factor for Developing Joint Initiatives

President Rumen Radev Monday said that Bulgaria actively supports the One Belt, One Road initiative and the 17+1 platform for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. Transport connectivity between China and Europe is the most important factor for these two initiatives' development, he added. Radev was addressing representatives of Chinese companies participating in the implementation of projects within the One Road, One Belt initiative.

The President went on to say that Bulgaria's geographic location determines the shortest and most favourable path to this transport connectivity. "I am convinced that our joined efforts will allow us to develop the infrastructure in Bulgaria that is necessary for the [two] initiatives in the best and fastest way, in conformity with the EU's principles and rules," Radev noted. "We are ready to hear your investment intentions and plans, and I hope for constructive work with the Bulgarian government," he told the Chinese business representatives during their meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dong Xiaojun thanked for the meeting and congratulated President Radev on his successful state visit to China, noting the achievement of important consensus on the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various areas. "You mentioned that within the 17+1 and the One Belt, One Road initiatives, China and Bulgaria already have excellent cooperation; we believe that we have huge potential and good perspective," the Chinese Ambassador said.