2024-05-08 18:11:06
Relations at the highest level are a stable basis for the development of bilateral relations, not only in the interest of Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, but also to strengthen the stability of the Caucasus and the Black Sea region, to strengthen the energy security of Europe. This was said by the head of state Rumen Radev in a statement to the media in Baku. The President is visiting Azerbaijan at the invitation of his colleague Ilham Aliyev.
Earlier today, the two presidents held a “four eyes” meeting and signed a number of documents of mutual interest to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Azerbaijan and Bulgaria are linked by traditional friendship, understanding and mutual trust. An expression of these relations is the strategic dialogue at the highest political level, Radev emphasized.
He noted that Azerbaijan has become a key partner of Bulgaria in the field of energy and has made a significant contribution to the diversification of gas supplies for the Bulgarian economy. The President recalled that in the fall of 2022 in Sofia, in the presence of President Aliyev, the operation of the intersystem gas connection between Greece and Bulgaria was launched, which connected the southern gas corridor with Central and Eastern Europe.
He also noted the signing of the Memorandum for the “Solidarity Ring” to coordinate the efforts and capabilities of the gas transmission operators of Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and “SOCAR” for the transfer of additional quantities of gas from Azerbaijan.
Relations between governments at the business level and between municipalities were deepened to stimulate trade-economic partnership, to develop connectivity in all its dimensions – energy, transport, digital, for exchange in high technologies and innovations, in green policies, in the field of education , science, culture and tourism, pointed out Radev.
Radev stated that the signed declaration on strengthening cooperation between the two countries today is an expression of the potential and the mutual desire and political will of our countries to continue developing excellent relations.
President Aliyev and I share the conviction that we have a common interest in utilizing the geostrategic position of our two countries not only in energy, but also in transport and digital connectivity, Radev pointed out. By developing this connectivity, we contribute to the security and stability of the entire region, to the exchange between Asia and Europe. The middle corridor is our priority, added Radev. He noted that talks are also ongoing to unify the tariffs of all customs procedures in order to ease the increasing traffic. The joint operation agreement signed today between Bulgaria Air and the Azerbaijani national airline for the resumption of the Sofia-Baku-Sofia route, which will start from June this year, was important, Radev pointed out.
Radev emphasized that the agreement between “Sokar” and “Asarel Investment” is also important, because it is another step in the deepening of energy cooperation and the gasification of Bulgaria.
Regarding the upcoming UN climate conference, Radev said that our country is ready to provide any kind of expert assistance for the realization of this event.
Some of the Bulgarian companies offer ready-made constructive solutions to help Azerbaijan develop its leading role in the region, as a country that develops green high technologies for environmental protection, Radev also said. He cited as an example the joint venture for the processing and utilization of used oils, for the utilization of construction materials, as well as the possibility of Azerbaijan becoming the center of a delivery network with cargo drones.
As part of his visit to Azerbaijan, President Rumen Radev also held a meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Prof. Sahiba Gafarova. Later, the head of state talked with Bulgarian specialists working in the field of sports in Azerbaijan. In Baku, President Radev laid wreaths in front of the Heydar Aliyev monument and on the Alley of Martyrs.