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Rumen Radev and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: Recovery and sustainability plans are not only financial support in the crisis, but an opportunity for EU countries' modernisation

An independent investigation into the killing of civilians and the alleged use of noxious substances in Ukraine is urgently needed, the head of state told journalists during his visit to Portugal

Recovery and resilience plans should not be seen only as financial support in the crisis, but as an opportunity to modernise European Union countries. President Rumen Radev and his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa agreed on this opinion. The two held a meeting in Porto, at Fundacao de Serralves, one of the leading cultural institutions in the country. The Bulgarian Head of State is on his second official visit to the Republic of Portugal at the invitation of his counterpart, Rebelo de Sousa, since 2019.

Opportunities for deepening bilateral economic cooperation and overcoming the post-pandemic backlog, issues on the European Union's agenda, as well as the consequences of the war in Ukraine were among the topics of the meeting.

The Bulgarian Head of State highlighted the success of Portugal, as its Recovery and Resilience Plan was the first one endorsed by the European Union. According to Radev, Bulgaria can cooperate with Portugal in the implementation of its own plan, which was approved some time ago. The economic recovery in Europe requires close partnership in the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plans of the individual members, the Bulgarian President stressed. The two presidents agreed that the plans were intended to overcome the pandemic crisis in Europe, for a digital transition and building a green economy, but do not meet the conditions created by the war in Ukraine and the high inflation. That is why the partnership between countries is imperative to achieve quick results, was the common position of the two presidents.

The economy and mutual high-tech investments were highlighted as particularly promising areas of bilateral partnership. The Bulgarian President shared with President de Sousa the opportunities offered by the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology,  INSAIT, which opened yesterday in Bulgaria. In 2021, trade between Bulgaria and Portugal increased by more than 47% compared to 2020 and amounted to EUR 250 million, which, in the President's words, is an indicator of sustainable growth even in crisis conditions.

Radev expressed his gratitude for Portugal's consistent support for Bulgaria's accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Schengen area.

The two also noted the fruitful cooperation in the field of education, science and culture, to which the active work of the Camoes Institute in Bulgaria contributes, as well as the interest in learning Portuguese in Bulgaria.

We are bound by a sincere friendship with Portugal, based on common values and common understanding of the future of Europe, on the desire to live in peace and understanding, President Radev said. In his words, at a time of testing Europe's unity, it is of great importance that the two most geographically distant countries, Bulgaria and Portugal, show that they can work together, Radev said.

Ending the war in Ukraine is in the interest not only of the citizens of Russia and Ukraine, but of the whole of Europe, the two presidents stressed. They called for an end to the war and restoring peace and for pooling the efforts of the international community to achieve this goal. We need to hold the debate on the future security architecture in Europe as soon as possible, Rumen Radev added and highlighted the secondary consequences of the war, including potential problems with energy supply and food security, which could prove to be factors slowing down growth.

An immediate independent investigation into the massacre of civilians in Ukraine and the use of noxious substances is needed, the Bulgarian head of state said in response to a journalist's question. Radev pointed out that the use of chemical weapons and the killing of civilians during a conflict was a flagrant violation of all international conventions and constituted a war crime.

Responding to a question on the European integration of the Western Balkans, President Radev underlined this country's unconditional support for Albania. The Republic of North Macedonia needs more time to fulfil the criteria for starting EU membership negotiations, the Head of State further said. The Bulgarian President expressed his gratitude that during the Portuguese presidency of the Council of the European Union the "1+5" package was developed, which is based on the implementation of the clear principles enshrined in the Copenhagen criteria of respect for human rights, eradication of hate speech, mutual respect and preservation of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage in North Macedonia.

Earlier today, Head of State Rumen Radev was welcomed by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at an official ceremony in Porto, where the national anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria was accompanied by 21 gun salutes in honour of the Bulgarian President. The two Heads of State reviewed the Guard of Honour of the President of the Portuguese Republic and paid homage to the national flags.

The President held a meeting with the Mayor of Porto Rui Moreira, who presented Rumen Radev with the city's Key of Honour and praised the fact that the Head of State's official visit to Portugal started from the country's second largest city. The keys to our home are a confirmation of our gratitude to the Bulgarian President, for whom Porto is also home from today, Rui Moreira said.

During his visit to Portugal, the President is accompanied by his wife, Desislava Radeva. The President's programme for the second day of his official visit includes meetings in the capital Lisbon with Prime Minister Antonio Costa and the Speaker of the Portuguese Parliament Augusto Santos Silva. Tomorrow, President Rumen Radev will also hold talks with representatives of the Bulgarian community in the country and visit the European Maritime Safety Agency based in Lisbon, as well as the Military Academy in the city.