Cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria, Türkiye discussed at the conference
Cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkey was discussed at a conference organised simultaneously in Haskovo, Bulgaria and Edirne.
During the conference it was emphasised that Bulgaria-Türkiye relations are developing and that they are NATO allies and friendly countries. The interest of Bulgarian citizens in Türkiye and cross-border co-operation projects were also presented.
The conference within the scope of the "Europe in the Balkans: Common Future Project" organised by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) was held simultaneously in Edirne and Hasköy.
Borislav Dimitrov, Consul General of Bulgaria in Edirne, in his speech at the conference in Edirne Aliba Hotel, stated that the relations between Bulgaria and Turkey are being carried forward day by day and that they have successful co-operation with Türkiye in many fields.
Stating that the joint initiatives funded by the European Union (EU) contribute to Turkey's European journey, Dimitrov said: "Bulgaria and Türkiye are NATO allies and friendly countries. Our relations are based on good neighbourliness, respect and mutual interests. Cooperation in the fight against cross-border crimes, illegal migration and terrorism is at a very good level."
Dimitrov also stated that they support the European integration of the Balkan countries and that the good relations between the two peoples are also seen at the local level.
Bulgarian citizens' interest in Türkiye
Emphasising that 2 million 893 thousand 92 Bulgarian citizens visited Türkiye in 2023, Dimitrov continued as follows:
"This figure accounts for 5.9 per cent of all tourist visits. A significant part of the visits of Bulgarian citizens takes place in Edirne, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ and Istanbul. I believe that our efforts are contributing both locally and nationally and I support and encourage our cross-border project partners in the Edirne and Kırklareli region."
BTA Ankara Representative Nora Cholakova stated that they organised the conference in order to promote the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) projects and to encourage new projects.
Reminding that the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme is one of the projects within the scope of the financial cooperation process between Turkey and the European Union, Cholakova stated that BTA will continue to promote cross-border cooperation projects.
34.4 million euro financing
Ceyda Peközer, Project Manager from the Joint Secretariat Edirne Support Office of the Directorate for EU Affairs, gave information about the activities carried out under the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.
Peközer stated that 85 percent of the financing of the 34.4 million euro cross-border cooperation programme, which started in 2021 and will last until 2029, is provided by the EU, while the remaining 25 percent is provided by Turkey and Bulgaria.
Peközer said that the programme covers 46 settlements, 288 kilometres of common border line and 3 border gates in an area of 29 square kilometres in Turkey and Bulgaria.
Edirne Promotion and Tourism Association Board Member Prof. Dr. Emel Gönenç Güler and Trakya University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Emre Atılgan also made presentations about the projects they have implemented.
Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sezai Irmak and guests attended the event.
Source: AA
