The excellent political dialogue and the pragmatic bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Italy have real measures in the field of investments and bilateral trade, which reached EUR 7 billion last year. This was the common position of the Presidents of Bulgaria and Italy Rumen Radev and Sergio Mattarella, who held talks in Porto on the sidelines of the Arraiolos summit.
The two noted that there are all the prerequisites and significant potential for even more active economic cooperation and development of joint projects between Bulgarian and Italian businesses in various fields. President Mattarella reaffirmed Italy's strong support for Bulgaria's accession to Schengen, including in terms of further promoting tourism and communication between the citizens of the two countries. For his part, President Radev expressed satisfaction with Italy's commitment to the work on the Transport Corridor 8 project, which is of strategic importance for regional connectivity.
Rumen Radev highly appreciated the partnership of Bulgaria and Italy in the development of the air ambulance system in Bulgaria. The first delivery of specialised helicopters from Italy will be made in the coming months. The Bulgarian society is looking forward to the implementation of this project, which opens favourable opportunities for further expansion of the partnership in the aviation industry, Rumen Radev further noted.
The bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, the modernisation process of the Bulgarian army, the holding of joint military exercises, as well as the excellent partnership between the Bulgarian and Italian servicemen in the NATO battle group in Bulgaria, in which Italy is a framework country, were also highlighted during the meeting.
Another highlight was the deepening of cooperation in the field of culture, education and academic exchange.
Rumen Radev invited Sergio Mattarella to visit Bulgaria soon with a view to further developing the bilateral dialogue and the partnership relations between the two countries. In 2024, Bulgaria and Italy will celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations.