Mariya Gabriel: Bulgaria's first-ever foreign policy strategy can be a guarantor of sustainability in the country's foreign policy
08 April 2024 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel presented a draft of Bulgaria's Foreign Policy Strategy (2024—2030) together with Professor Georgi Fotev, Chairman of the Consultative Council for the preparation of the Strategy.
‘Creating the first Foreign Policy Strategy for our country is a challenge and a cause. It is important for the document to have focused clear messages, time scope and outlined tasks in the short and medium term. The foreign policy strategy will be a strong expression of Bulgaria's fundamental values. The document will set the principles and norms defining the priorities and objectives in international relations, which position Bulgaria as a predictable and trustworthy partner’, Mariya Gabriel said.
The document is the result of a broad expert and public consultation. A Consultative Council was formed and three conferences with civil society — with diplomats, young people and international experts — were organised to prepare the strategy. Mariya Gabriel expressed her gratitude for the work and efforts of the members of the Advisory Council, diplomats, entrepreneurs, young people, journalists and academics for their work and expertise.
The aim of the Foreign Policy Strategy is to increase predictability and support for Bulgarian foreign policy, to form inter-institutional consensus and clearly articulated foreign policy priorities and to enhance the authority of the Bulgarian diplomatic service. The foreign policy strategy will identify the priorities for Bulgaria, the objectives it sets itself and the means to achieve them.
‘Dialogue and diplomacy are the most reliable tools for achieving consensus between state institutions and society on foreign policy priorities. They are also a bridge to more predictable international planning and negotiations for a secure and stable world’, the Deputy Prime Minister added
The Strategy identifies eight key strategic objectives for Bulgaria: 1) full participation and substantive contribution of the country to policies within the framework of the EU and NATO, in realizing Bulgarian national interests, including full accession to the Schengen area and the Eurozone; 2) an active regional policy of good neighbourliness and regional cooperation in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region, achieving leadership in the field of innovation and new technologies; 3) development of the established bilateral strategic partnerships with the countries of the Euro-Atlantic area and the construction of new ones with partners outside Europe; 4) protection of the rights and interests of Bulgarian citizens, people with a Bulgarian identity and Bulgarian communities abroad; 5) effective multilateral diplomacy, primarily within the UN system; 6) cultural and digital diplomacy as a strategic tool for influence and authority; 7) foreign economic diplomacy in favour of Bulgarian business and the economic prosperity of the nation; 8) strategic communication and public diplomacy aimed at protecting national security and countering disinformation and hybrid threats.
‘I expect the foreign policy strategy to help increase public support and contribute to more cohesion and continuity in Bulgaria's international behaviour in line with national interests. We are striving for a consolidated document that allows flexibility and adaptation to the changing international environment. It outlines Bulgaria's position in the international arena, points out its contribution to peace, security and cooperation at regional, European and international level. We have laid the basis by broad public consensus to have a foreign policy strategy that sets priorities, principles and objectives. Let us make it useful for politicians and diplomats as well as for society. This is an opportunity to speak with one voice at home and abroad and thus better protect the interests of the country and the citizens’, Mariya Gabriel concluded.
More photos
