Opportunities, investments and economic cooperation with Bulgaria
Interconnectivity between Greece and Bulgaria and the promotion of trans-European energy networks, industry, transport, communications and securing additional European Union resources were among issues discussed in meetings held by Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos in Sofia on Thursday, according to a ministry announcement.
Theodorikakos and Deputy National Economy and Finance Minister Christos Dimas attended a business forum organised in the Bulgarian capital by the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The minister also had bilateral meetings with Bulgarian Economy and Industry Minister Petar Dilov, Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadzhov, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Innovation and Development, Tomislav Donchev.
Other topics touched on in these meetings included cooperation in tackling major challenges, such as the climate and energy crisis, rising prices and the danger of new pandemics.
Addressing the forum, Theodorikakos said the event built bridges between the business communities of the two countries and laid the foundations for both bilateral agreements between the two countries and mutually beneficial business partnerships.
"Greece and Bulgaria are two neighbouring countries connected by many things. With relations that are deeply historical, cultural but also geostrategic and, above all, with common interests, common visions and common values of our peoples. We are the closest neighbours, member-states of the EU and of NATO," he pointed out.
In light of recent international developments, he added, the two countries must further deepen their cooperation and strengthen the EU's presence in Southeastern Europe, taking the lead in the next enlargement toward the Western Balkans and in the EU's relations with Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia.
He also called for closer cooperation in defence, migration and energy, increasing the interconnection of the two countries' energy networks and storage capacity, with joint projects for renewable energy and hydrogen that will further boost trade and investment cooperation.
Theodorikakos said that 2025 could be a landmark year signalling a new dynamic phase for the economies of Greece and Bulgaria, noting that the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone since January 1 "creates a new big market without borders between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania that links the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean to the Black Sea."
"We will unreservedly support Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone," he added, noting the favourable conditions arising for road travel and cooperation between the two countries in trade, industry, culture, tourism, a reduction of red tape and costs for the businesses of both countries.
"Our closer cooperation will create new business opportunities, while at the same time promoting the stability and prosperity of the citizens in a region with significant growth potential. Together we can ensure that a region will be created with greater cross-border security, more opportunities, growth and prosperity," he concluded.
AMNA
