Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva Receives Brexit Secretary David Davis
08 March 2018 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva today received the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis. “The Brexit negotiations have entered their decisive second phase precisely during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. Bulgaria is responsibly fulfilling its part in the process, and I am confident that we succeeded in creating a balanced and calm atmosphere to go ahead with the negotiations,” Zaharieva said during the meeting. “We are impressed by the Bulgarian Presidency, which is very good, honest and understanding,” David Davis said for his part.
“Several parallel processes are to be addressed shortly: the negotiations on the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the transition period, and arrangements for the future relations,” the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister recalled. She added that the European Commission has produced its first Draft Withdrawal Agreement which provides a basis for negotiations.
“Some of the issues on which we must reach consensus are not easy, but I am optimistic that we will manage to find the best and most balanced solution in the interest of both citizens and business,” Ekaterina Zaharieva stressed. She singled out citizens’ rights and financial matters as key issues concerning the UK’s withdrawal on which it is particularly important to achieve clarity.
The Foreign Minister noted that hammering out an ambitious agreement on the future relations that goes beyond trade and security and matches the strategic weight that the United Kingdom carries in Europe will benefit both the EU and London. “What really matters is focusing on the future, being pragmatic rather than emotional. We all stand to gain by striking a deal as soon as possible,” Zaharieva said.
More photos
