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Southeast Europe is a strategic bridge between our continent, Asia and the Middle East, says Head of State Iliana Iotova at the forum in Yerevan

 

Connectivity is not just a strategic choice. It is a guarantee of our common security – from the economy to defence. Bulgaria is not only an active partner, but also a driver of these processes. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova during the discussions at the 8th European Political Community Summit in the Armenian capital Yerevan. Nearly 50 heads of state and government are participating in the forum under the motto "Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe". The European Political Community aims to promote political dialogue and cooperation to strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent.

It is high time that national projects find a place in our shared geographical and economic connectivity. Southeast Europe is a strategic bridge between our continent, Asia and the Middle East. Times of crisis open up new opportunities, said Iliana Iotova.

 

In her address, the president highlighted the projects related to energy and transport connectivity on the Old Continent, in which Bulgaria has an active participation.

 

Global conflicts have taught us the hard way that we need to enhance our energy independence and diversify our energy sources, Iotova said, adding that the gas interconnector between Greece and Bulgaria has a key role in diversification.

 

The head of state stressed that Bulgaria was one of the first countries to expand the capacity of its gas storage facilities after the 2022 gas crisis. She highlighted the importance of one of the largest projects - the Vertical Gas Corridor, which will connect Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. The Bulgarian part of the project is almost complete.

 

We are working to expand renewable energy infrastructure, especially along the Black Sea coast, as well as with solar systems, Iotova said. She pointed out that Bulgaria is one of the biggest and most consistent supporters of clean and safe nuclear energy, with the European Union only now reconsidering its position on the issue.

 

The President highlighted the importance of transport connectivity. “We insist on accelerating the construction of Pan-European Corridor VIII, which will connect Bulgaria, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania – the Adriatic with the Black Sea. This is an important project not only economically, but also from a security perspective, not only for the region, but also for the whole of Europe, Iotova added. She stressed that these projects are important for the integration of the Western Balkan countries, as they will contribute to bilateral connectivity, as well as transport arteries throughout Europe. The President also insisted on the development of the Trans-European Transport Network – a large-scale project for the construction of infrastructure for different types of transport in Europe.

 

Iliana Iotova also emphasised the importance of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which will contribute to the connectivity between Europe and Asia.

 

The head of state once again stressed how important it is to build another bridge over the Danube River and to complete the transport connection between Silistra and Calarasi.

 

In her address, the president pointed out that Bulgaria has strengthened the role of its ports on the Black Sea. These are projects that are important not only for the economy, but also for the security of the continent, Iotova said.

 

She added that Bulgaria was building industrial zones around major cities for investment and security of regional supplies. The President highlighted Bulgaria's strong positions in the development of new technologies, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Bulgaria is one of six countries selected by the European Commission to build an artificial intelligence gigafactory.

 

The head of state also pointed to the importance of the European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework. It is extremely important for economic projects, regional connectivity and development to preserve the Cohesion Policy and Bulgaria will firmly insist on this, Ileana Iotova concluded.

The Head of State participates in the World Urban Forum Summit

The plant for the utilisation of used industrial and motor oils and the production of base oils of the first and second groups is the only implemented industrial project approved by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Bulgaria in 2023. This is also the first investment of such a scale in this area in Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev congratulated Bulgaria on achieving political stability after the elections and having a regular government

The meeting was hosted by Austrian Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Bohm and Slovenian Ambassador Natasha Bergel