Bulgaria is a UN member enjoying a high authority and the country's balanced foreign policy and role as a stabilizing factor in the region are highly appreciated. This is what President Rumen Radev said to Bulgarian journalists in Chicago, taking a question about the results of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly. The head of state noted that Bulgaria will continue to work toward the reassertion of stability in the region and toward guaranteeing the European prospects of its neighbouring state in the Western Balkans.
The fact that Bulgaria is a loyal member of the European Union and NATO does not suggest that the country should give up working toward the development of its relations with third countries, the president said in response to a journalist's question. Rumen Radev recalled the number of bilateral meetings held in New York with his counterparts from the Middle East and Central Asia on the possible restoration of Bulgaria's traditional positions in these regions' markets and of the cooperation in the field of education and culture.
Bulgaria is treated in an extremely benevolent manner so we should seek opportunities to achieve a mutually beneficial cooperation, the president further said.
Taking a question as to whether our country's efforts toward the diversification of energy sources could possibly worsen the relations with Russia, the head of state pointed out that Bulgaria had declared its intentions to diversify its energy sources and the routes for the transportation of gas supplies long ago. "The more gas supply routes and energy sources, the better for Bulgaria. This will reduce the risk related to the gas supplies themselves and to competitive gas prices. This is the meaning of diversification", Rumen Radev said.
Taking a question as to the mounting of tension provoked by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear program and missile tests, the head of state said this crisis could not possibly be resolved by military action. "If we seek its resolution by purely military means, we will all lose, and many leaders have already made statements to this effect", Rumen Radev said. The president voiced his hopes about finding the diplomatic tools and reaching a dialogue so as to cope with this crisis.
There is not a single Bulgarian institution that could possibly bring the Bulgarians living abroad back to their country, the president further argued. He went on to say that this required nation-wide efforts and the responsibility of the entire society so that Bulgaria is transformed into a far more attractive place to live in. Asked about his proposal to create a register of the Bulgarians living abroad, the head of state said that this involved the creation of a information portal in which our compatriots abroad could find information about and opportunities for their career development in line with their education, qualification and experience, while the businesses can seek the appropriate staff for the implementation of their projects.