Bulgaria-Serbia political consultations
05 June 2015 News
Bulgaria's Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Poriazov and Serbia's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Goran Aleksić discussed at today’s meeting in the Foreign Ministry bilateral relations, Serbia's European perspective, as well as the participation of the two countries in regional initiatives.
Deputy Minister Poriazov noted that being neighbouring countries, Bulgaria and Serbia share not only common borders but common interests. The development of bilateral relations depends on confidence, consistency in honouring commitments and concrete results achieved, he noted. According to him, intensifying contacts at the highest level contributes to the development of bilateral dialogue, which is in the national interests of both countries. Poriazov proposed to the Serbian side to hold regular political consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries, together with the bilateral dialogue on different aspects of cooperation. Security, culture, science and education, regional development and joint energy and transport infrastructure projects were outlined as areas for bilateral political consultations.
Bulgaria has reaffirmed its support for Serbia's European integration, noting the importance of meeting the membership criteria. "We will be a frank and open partner and we are ready to share our experience and expertise with Serbia on its path to the EU," Deputy Minister Poriazov noted. Aleksić in turn expressed gratitude for Bulgaria's consistent support.
Valentin Poriazov and Goran Aleksić discussed the situation and the specific problems of the Bulgarian national minority in Serbia. They agreed that the rights of the minority must be fully respected in accordance with the national legislation of Serbia and its international commitments.
The two agreed on the need to update and supplement the bilateral treaty framework in different areas. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the signing of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations which can set the political foundations for extending and deepening cooperation in accordance with the new realities of bilateral relations.
A joint Action Plan was agreed on, which would lead to achieving specific results before the upcoming visit of Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić at the invitation of Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov in the autumn of this year. The possibilities of holding joint intergovernmental meetings in the near future was also discussed.
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