Mariya Gabriel: Cooperation, connectivity and security make the partnership between Bulgaria and Romania strategic
05 February 2024 News
At the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Romania Luminița Odobescu paid an official visit to Sofia. This is the first official visit of a Romanian foreign minister to Bulgaria in over 10 years.
‘Bulgaria and Romania are neighbours, strategic partners, EU members and NATO allies. Our countries share common goals and common successes. This makes our cooperation even more significant for the region, for the EU and NATO. The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen was a significant joint success, which will contribute to the sustainability and positive development of the region and Europe. It was the result of the joint efforts of our countries and an example of our good cooperation, which led to concrete results for citizens. Our joint efforts will continue actively in 2024 so that we can set a concrete date for the abolition of checks at land borders as soon as possible’, said Mariya Gabriel.
The ministers discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest and topical issues on the international agenda. Emphasis was placed on the construction of the North-South corridor, the connection of transport infrastructure and the diversification of energy sources. In the past months, important infrastructure projects have been implemented, including the construction of a new bridge over the Danube between Ruse and Giurgiu and the Fast Danube project.
‘It is important that we continue to work together for connectivity in science, innovation, energy, education and ensure a more sustainable development of South East Europe. Bulgaria and Romania can be a leader and an example of good practices in the context of European innovation valleys’, added the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
NATO cooperation was also a focus of the discussion. The two ministers highlighted the common responsibility of Bulgaria and Romania for maintaining stability and security in the Black Sea region. As an example of successful cooperation in the field of security, Mariya Gabriel pointed to the establishment of the Joint Mine Action Task Force in the Black Sea between Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.
‘Three key words from today’s meeting characterise our relations —cooperation, connectivity, security. This is what Bulgaria and Romania give to South Eastern Europe, to the citizens, to the EU and NATO. Let us continue our active and constructive dialogue on deepening our strategic partnership’, Gabriel concluded.