Rumen Radev at the Delphi Economic Forum: Bulgaria and Greece can unlock the potential of their economies, only with united efforts

Bulgaria and Greece can unlock the potential of their economies only with united efforts. The most important thing is that we started to think and plan the future of our region together. This was stated today by President Rumen Radev during his participation in the Delphi Economic Forum. The annual event brings together heads of state and government, representatives of non-governmental organizations and business, who exchange positions and discuss the prospects for economic development and promoting competitiveness.

Rumen Radev emphasized that Bulgaria and Greece share a strategic partnership, which is important for the security, stability and development prospects of the region. Bilateral agreements in energy, transport and economy go beyond the dimensions of cooperation between the two countries and create a new vision of connectivity between us and in the region of Central and Eastern Europe. The idea of defending our interests together has turned Bulgaria into a respected and sought-after partner, said Rumen Radev.

The President highlighted the actions of Bulgaria and Greece for the development of electricity transmission corridors, transport connections between the Aegean and the Black Sea, an element of which is the upcoming signing of a memorandum on the development of the transport connection between the port of Varna and the port of Kavala, which will increase the security of supplies for the region.

The head of state reminded again that the sustainable development of South-Eastern Europe depends on the security and reliability of the supply of energy resources. The construction of the oil pipeline from Alexandroupolis to Burgas, as well as the implementation of the oil pipeline project with the financial support of NATO, which will connect Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, will be important in this regard. Regional energy, transport and digital connectivity is of key importance for the promotion of economic exchange and the qualitative improvement of the investment climate, Rumen Radev also stated. In this regard, the president singled out the actions of the caretaker government, which, despite the crisis, managed to create conditions for countering inflation, increasing industrial production and exports.

Russia's war against Ukraine and disrupted supply chains highlight even more the importance of cooperation, solidarity and sustainability both in the EU and in our region, the head of state stressed. Rumen Radev pointed out that the war has already turned into a global economic conflict and every day of it threatens peace and security in the world, and expressed hope that an opportunity would soon be found to end hostilities and find a diplomatic solution. The war also destroys the international security architecture and raises the question of its construction after the end of hostilities. Who will win and lose from the war becomes an essential question in the conversation about overcoming the enormous consequences for the economies and social systems of a number of countries.