NEWS

Radev in Chisinau: Only with joint efforts and solidarity can we cope with the challenges facing the economies and social systems in our region

Bulgaria's head of State voices this country's firm support for Moldova's European perspective

Bulgaria and Moldova are facing serious tests not only for their security, but also for their economies and social systems due to disrupted supply chains and energy price hikes and rising inflation following Russia's war against Ukraine. We can only successfully confront these challenges if we stand in solidarity and work together, President Radev said at a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau.

At the presidential palace in the Moldovan capital, Radev and Sandu held a one-on-one meeting followed by plenary talks between the official delegations. In the presence of the two presidents, a contract for access and transport of natural gas through the Bulgartransgaz gas transmission network was signed between the gas transmission operators of the two countries.

By signing the agreement, Bulgaria is reaching out to Moldova and its people in a difficult situation, which is a manifestation of solidarity and a common approach to the crises, Radev said. The President pointed out that Bulgaria has achieved a significant level of diversification, mainly through the construction of interconnections with its neighbouring countries, including Romania, and through a stake in LNG terminals. Thanks to the contract signed today, there are opportunities to transport gas from the South to the North in large volumes, so that Moldova can gain access to LNG terminals in Greece and Turkiye through tenders and Bulgaria can guarantee the transmission.

Due to the war in Ukraine, Moldova is experiencing the worst energy crisis since its independence, Maia Sandu said. She noted that with the signing of the agreement today, Moldova can diversify its gas sources, helping the country to be more sustainable.

During the meeting, the two presidents also discussed the possibilities for Bulgaria to cooperate with Moldova on the activation of the EU's macro-financial assistance mechanism for electricity supply. Bulgaria is already assisting the Republic of North Macedonia under this model and the EC has earmarked EUR 80 million for the supply of electricity, which Bulgaria is ready to provide, Rumen Radev said.

Bulgaria strongly supports Moldova's European perspective and is ready to cooperate and help in the process of European integration, Radev further said. He added that this country is ready to share its experience on the difficult path to membership and the implementation of profound reforms. Bulgaria is also an integral part of the common European support for Moldova's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, Rumen Radev added. I am happy to welcome you today in the capital of an EU applicant, Sandu said for her part, thanking Rumen Radev for the confidence expressed that Moldova can complete all the steps on the path of its European integration.

Presidents Radev and Sandu highlighted the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the friendship between Bulgaria and Moldova, based on centuries-old spiritual and cultural ties between the two peoples.

The two presidents focused on the development of cooperation in education, science and culture. An important element of our relations is the Bulgarian community in Moldova, Rumen Radev said. He added that the Bulgarian side highly appreciates the conditions created to increase the Bulgarian language classes in Moldovan schools and the efforts to preserve the national, cultural and linguistic identity of this community. I am encouraged by today's talks that we will continue to work hard and find a workable, sustainable and satisfactory solution for all sides on the status of Taraclia State University as a cultural, educational and spiritual centre of the Bulgarian community, as an important element for deepening the friendship between our countries and peoples, Rumen Radev said. He added that Bulgaria provides financial and methodological support to the university so that it can offer promising specialisations and the young people who graduate from it can make a career and contribute to Moldova's socio-economic development in the best way. Sandu said that the Moldovan side is making efforts to raise the standards of education at the university.

During the talks, the presidents highlighted the prospects and opportunities for deepening cooperation in areas such as investments, joint ventures, agriculture, transport, tourism and information technologies. To implement this potential, better connectivity is also needed, Rumen Radev said, noting that Bulgaria is actively working with Romania to build new bridges over the Danube which will improve the connectivity with Moldova as well.

After the welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Chisinau, the Bulgarian head of State held a meeting with the Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu. President Radev paid tribute at the monument to Stefan cel Mare, a prince of the Principality of Moldova who became famous throughout Europe for his stubborn resistance against the Ottoman Empire.

Tomorrow, the Bulgarian head of State will visit the city of Taraclia and take part in the celebrations marking the Day of the Bessarabian Bulgarians on 29 October.