The relations between Bulgaria and Italy are an example of partnership, cooperation and mutual trust, built on the solid foundation of traditional friendship between our peoples and an active cultural and ideational exchange.
This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who told “Dondukov“ 2 welcomed the head of state of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. 2024 marks the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Rumen Radev and his wife Desislava Radeva welcomed with a ceremony at St. Al. Nevsky“ Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella. The two presidents held a "private" meeting. and led the plenary talks between the official delegations.
Rumen Radev and Sergio Mattarella noted the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in a number of sectors. Italy is a leading foreign trade and investment partner of Bulgaria, stated the Head of State Rumen Radev in his statement in the Coat of Arms Hall of “Dondukov“ 2 and emphasized the stated determination of both countries to expand and deepen cooperation in the economy and investments. The President highlighted the growth of bilateral trade, which in recent years has seen significant growth, reaching a value of EUR 6.038 billion in the first 11 months of 2023.
The presidents of Bulgaria and Italy highlighted the importance of connectivity in Europe and the strategic importance of the Pan-European Transport Corridor No. 8. The infrastructure project will improve European and regional connectivity and its implementation has important added value in the context of cooperation between the EU and NATO, emphasized Rumen Radev. highly appreciating Italy's active role in its implementation. The head of state thanked for the decisive Italian support for Bulgaria's full membership in the Schengen area and for Bulgaria's accession to the OECD.
In their statements, both Rumen Radev and Sreggio Mattarella emphasized the importance of cooperation between Bulgaria and Italy in the field of education, science and culture. According to Rumen Radev, partnerships in these areas are the most effective tools for transmitting and confirming the traditions of friendship and respect between Bulgaria and Italy. The two presidents also noted the positive development in terms of university, student and research exchanges.
Rumen Radev and Sergio Mattarella discussed topics from the EU agenda and the challenges facing the union. Italy and Bulgaria - as countries on the front line, share the vision of the need for a unified strategic European approach to migration and the achievement of an effective balance between responsibility and solidarity. The new asylum system will provide a sustainable and structured common European response, which, according to President Radev, creates the conditions for greater support for front-line countries and for solving problems related to illegal migration.
Regardless of the complex and dynamic geopolitical situation, the principle of the countries' own merits should remain the leading factor in the EU enlargement process, emphasized Rumen Radev in connection with the European integration of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. “Only in this way can the transformational power of the expansion process be manifested and we can achieve strengthening of democratic values, economic stability and competitiveness of the entire region,”, the head of state pointed out. He added that Bulgaria is ready for further close cooperation with Italy in these processes.
The two presidents emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of security and defense, emphasizing the partnership between the Bulgarian and Italian servicemen in the composition of the multinational battle group in our country, with the Bulgarian president thanking Italy for the role of the framework country of the formation. Rumen Radev also noted the Italian support for the strengthened mission to protect our airspace. “Our joint efforts are an expression of our shared responsibility for strengthening the deterrence and defense potential of the Alliance and for strengthening security on the Eastern flank of NATO and the Black Sea region,” said the Bulgarian President. Strengthening bilateral relations can lead to greater general security for all EU members, President Sergio Mattarella said for his part.