Ukraine and Bulgaria have made another step towards strengthening friendly and partnership relations. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal following a meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolai Denkov.
“Today, following a comprehensive dialogue, we have reached a common ground on many important issues. Ukraine and Bulgaria will continue to strengthen cooperation in the fight against russian aggression and to restore the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The Head of Ukrainian Government noted that Bulgaria would take a leading position in the implementation of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine, in particular in terms of environmental, energy, food security and recovery.
In addition, Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine on its path to the EU and NATO.
According to Denys Shmyhal, the Ministries of Justice of Ukraine and Bulgaria will intensify cooperation to bring russia to justice for its crimes.
“We will also work together to build an international compensation mechanism that will allow us to recover funds from the aggressor for the losses and destruction caused,” the Prime Minister of Ukraine said.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine noted that Ukraine was looking forward to intensifying military cooperation with Bulgaria. In particular, within the framework of the Ukrainian-Bulgarian Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation. This will increase the volume of military assistance and launch joint production of weapons and military equipment.
“Bulgaria will also take an active part in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The energy sector is particularly promising. In particular, renewable energy and nuclear power. Together, we want to implement the Vertical Gas Corridor project as soon as possible. This will be a strategic route for the supply of additional volumes of liquefied natural gas for the needs of the region,” said Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the parties agreed that in the near future the relevant ministries would explore the possibility of establishing interconnectors between the power grids of Ukraine and Bulgaria (via the Romanian power grid) within the framework of ENTSO-E.
In the area of trade relations, Denys Shmyhal and Nikolai Denkov summarised the implementation of the agreements reached during the visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Bulgaria last summer. They identified priority areas for further cooperation.
In addition, Bulgaria will help to increase its transit potential along the European “solidarity lanes” to the Mediterranean ports.
“Our plans for this year also include holding the next meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation. Together, we will organise a Ukrainian-Bulgarian business forum under the auspices of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of both countries,” the Prime Minister of Ukraine noted.
Following the meeting, the Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Bulgaria signed a joint statement.
A memorandum of cooperation in the defence sector was also signed in the presence of the heads of government. (Government portal/Business World Magazine)
