“The excellent level and strategic nature of the bilateral relations between Greece and Bulgaria is a model of cooperation for our region and an example of the transformation of the relations of two countries that are marching together towards their common European future” emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis in his statements after his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel in Sofia.

“It is not only geography that unites us but also the common understanding on the fundamentals” he said and added: “I would like to thank you very much for your support to Greece, so that it can participate in the Three Seas Initiative and the wider initiatives undertaken in its region Black Sea”.

As part of his official visit to Bulgaria, Mr Gerapetritis also met with Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, while he is expected to be received by the country’s President Rumen Radev.

The foreign minister congratulated his counterpart on Bulgaria’s imminent accession to the Schengen zone by abolishing border controls on air and sea transport.

Loyal to the steadfast policy of Greece, which spearheaded Bulgaria’s EU and NATO accession, Mr. Gerapetritis expressed the Greek government’s support for Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone and the OECD, recognizing at the same time the substantial progress that Sofia has made .

The Foreign Minister stated that Greece and Bulgaria have developed into a trans-European transport, communications and energy hubwhich was formed on the basis of the South-North Vertical Corridor.

“Our countries have shown the importance of solidarity in difficult times” pointed out Mr. Gerapetritis. Greece supplied Bulgaria with natural gas in the spring of 2022, when Russia cut off the supply. In October 2022, the IGB interconnector was inaugurated, which contributed to the large increase in the quantities of natural gas traded between the two countries, while in the summer of 2023 the second electric cable connecting Greece and Bulgaria was founded. And the imminent operation of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) of Alexandroupolis is a project that will positively transform the energy security of the entire region.

During the meeting of the two foreign ministers, bilateral economic and trade relations were also discussed, which have gained increased momentum, with Bulgaria being the second export destination for Greece and Greek investments being in third place in the relative ranking in Bulgaria .

Particular emphasis was placed on the issue of the management of the waters of the Arda River, with the Greek side expressing the expectation that there will be an immediate settlement of the issue in accordance with EU law for the benefit of both countries.

A coincidence of views was found in relation to the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova, “which should be based on the principle of equal performance and the observance of the established criteria such as respect for International Law, observance of the agreed , the consolidation of good neighborly relations and respect for the Rule of Law”, as explained by the Greek Minister of the Interior.

Gerapetritis and Gabriel agreed on the need to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, two years after the illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion. “This is not a war between two countries, but the defense of the values ​​of liberal democracy and International Law against aggression and revisionism,” remarked the foreign minister.

Referring to the situation in the Middle East, Mr Gerapetritis stated that the tragic loss of civilians tests the principles of humanity, while the use of hostages as a bargaining chip violates every concept of human value. “Each further day of fighting adds to an already dramatic situation,” he said.

For her part, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister stressed that the strategic relations between the two countries form an “axis of stability” for the entire region.

Ms. Gabriel thanked Greece for supporting Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen area, but also for the assistance it provided after the interruption of natural gas supplies from Russia.

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister placed particular emphasis on the development of connectivity in the energy, transport and infrastructure sectors, confirming Bulgaria’s commitment to the relevant Joint Declaration signed in 2023 with Greece, Croatia and Romania.

Finally, she expressed her satisfaction with Greece’s participation in the Three Seas Initiative, but also Sofia’s gratitude for the support provided by Athens to Bulgaria’s integration into the Eurozone and the OECD.

Concluding his statements, Mr. Gerapetritis did not fail to praise his Bulgarian counterpart for her “deep commitment” to European values ​​and the vision of European integration, while he congratulated her on her highly successful term as European Commissioner, in the context of which she managed to decisively upgrade the image of her country in international forums. “I am sure that, as you left your personal mark as European Commissioner and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, you will do the same after March 6 and your swearing in as Prime Minister, in a dynamic Bulgaria that is reforming and modernizing” said Mr. Gerapetritis and invited Ms. Gabriel to visit Greece soon in her new capacity.