Vucic to Zaharaieva: We are grateful for the Bulgarian support for our European path
24 July 2017 News
“Thank you and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov for the support for our European path.” In this manner the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic welcomed in Belgrade the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva. The Bulgarian chief diplomat is undertaking a round of visits to Balkan countries starting from the capital of the Republic of Serbia.
“The Serbian citizens expect to learn whether it is realistic to join the EU relatively soon. We aspire to be part of the EU because we want to be democratic and transparent society”, Vucic said. “I am not certain that we can continue to develop without close relations between us. I believe, we can also cooperate on common regional issues”, he added.
“We have met three times for the past 45 days since you were sworn-in, Mr. President”, Zaharieva said, “This is a sign of the importance that Bulgaria attaches to the enlargement of the European Union to the Balkans. The Western Balkans are a top priority for the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. I support your request to have clear timeline for your European perspective. We can offer you our expert assistance for the negotiation process”, she added
Zaharieva’s message to the Serbian side was that undertaking timely reforms is essential and that Bulgaria is offering expert assistance for the negotiation process and the closing of the negotiation chapters. It was also noted that recently the number of Bulgarian tourists visiting Serbia has increased by 28% along with 8% increase in the number of Serbian tourists visiting Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian foreign minister also posed the question of the reintroduction of special media broadcasts for the Bulgarian minority.
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