Ukraine and Bulgaria have discussed a range of joint initiatives in key sectors, including energy, defense, and transport, with a focus on developing alternative energy routes for Europe.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Bulgaria’s Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov held talks and agreed to prepare a joint roadmap outlining practical steps for cooperation between the two countries.
“Today we adopted a joint statement agreeing to develop a roadmap of practical steps between our countries. This roadmap will reflect key issues for Ukraine – above all, security in the Black Sea region, strengthening the defense capabilities of both states, cooperation in energy and transport, and involving Bulgaria in construction projects,” Svyrydenko said following the meeting.
Energy cooperation was one of the central topics of the discussions. Svyrydenko thanked the Bulgarian side for sharing expertise in nuclear power plant maintenance and noted that the parties also explored joint projects to develop alternative energy routes across Europe.
“We discussed the potential for projects to develop alternative energy routes in Europe, primarily gas routes. This partnership will certainly help ensure energy security and the independence of our energy sector, which is especially important given the threats posed by Russia,” she said.
The parties also welcomed progress in transport cooperation, including preparations to restore railway connections between the two countries via Romania. In addition, Ukraine and Bulgaria confirmed the importance of resuming the work of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, which last met in 2010.
Svyrydenko also noted that Bulgaria supported Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and was ready to continue assisting in advancing the negotiation process.
“We hope that solutions will be found to unblock the negotiation process, enable us to secure a EUR 90-billion loan, and adopt the 20th sanctions package,” she added. (Ukrinform)