NEWS

Co-operation at all levels between Bulgaria and Turkey is of strategic importance for the whole region

The problem of the recognition of diplomas from Bulgarian universities in Turkey is a purely technical issue that should not be politicized. This was emphasised today by President Rosen Plevneliev and the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Cemil Çiçek. President Plevneliev expressed confidence that the temporary measures that had been imposed would be revoked and that the legalization of diplomas of Turkish graduates from Bulgarian universities would be resumed as soon as possible.

Co-operation at all levels between Bulgaria and Turkey is of strategic importance for the region, it was emphasized during the meeting. President Plevneliev and Speaker Çiçek focused on opportunities for increased investment and bilateral trade, which in just a year rose by 30 per cent to reach about $4 billion Strategically it is important to speed up work on all projects on which bilateral political decisions have been taken, especially in energy, road and rail infrastructure.

President Plevneliev welcomed the agreement signed between Turkey and Azerbaijan on the construction of Trans-Anatolian pipeline (TANAP). He expressed hope that in a few months the first sod would be turned of the gas pipeline interconnection between Bulgaria and Turkey, for which the Turkish side has declared political support. According to the President, the connection could be part of the Nabucco West project, which is also a priority for Bulgaria.

President Plevneliev and Speaker Çiçek said that intensive co-operation to strengthen transport links - rail, highway and sea – between Bulgaria and Turkey would boost economic development throughout the region. The President invited Turkish businesses to participate in the privatization process of BDZ-Freight and to invest more actively in Bulgaria. Speaker Çiçek expressed confidence that the procedure to privatise the company would be of interest to Turkish business.

Turkish investors currently occupy 19th place in the list of foreign investments in Bulgaria, it became clear during the meeting. President Plevneliev highlighted the advantages of doing business in Bulgaria, including the low tax burden, Bulgaria’s improved position in the EU in relation to the continuing economic crisis, and the forthcoming amendments to the Investment Promotion Act.

President Plevneliev and Speaker Çiçek highlighted the excellent co-operation between the two countries in the strengthening of border controls, both in terms of Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area, and in the context of the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Speaker Çiçek welcomed Bulgaria’s actions in liberalising the visa system for certain categories of Turkish citizens, saying that easing visa restrictions on Turkish citizens would stimulate economic development throughout the region.

At the end of November this year, President Plevneliev will be visiting Turkey at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gül.