We need to find diplomatic instruments to end the war in Ukraine an hour sooner. This will not be done with more weapons, it will not be done by sending troops from NATO member states. This is what the head of state Rumen Radev said at a press briefing after his meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Tamas Shuyok, BTA reported.
The Bulgarian president is on an official two-day working visit to Hungary at the invitation of his colleague. Earlier today, the two presidents spoke privately.
According to Radev, the end of the war will take place with more efforts to find peaceful solutions for this. He also recalled the help that the country provides to us.
"The war in Ukraine remains the great challenge and the great risk facing our countries. Every day the continuation of this war means a loss not only for Russia and Ukraine, but also for all member states. Every day of this war means a growing risk for global security," Radev said and added: "We must not allow it to grow in both spatial scope and intensity.
He also touched on the subject of the European path to the Western Balkans. "Hungary and Bulgaria are one of the engines for the expansion of the EU, for the European integration of the Western Balkans," the president pointed out. Radev expressed hope that Hungary, as president of the EU Council, will uphold the consensus on the European path of the Republic of North Macedonia, achieved by 2022, to be respected.
The head of state congratulated Hungary for taking over the presidency of the EU Council from July 1 of this year and emphasized that this is happening at an important moment after the European elections, when new strategic programs must be adopted and made a smooth transition to the new institutional realities.
Radev emphasized one of the priorities of the upcoming Hungarian presidency, related to demography. He expressed hope that new mechanisms will be sought to resolve this challenge.
Migrant pressure is a common risk for the entire EU, and this means a common commitment of all member states. Effective resolution of migrant pressure can only be achieved with effective, collective mechanisms to protect our common border. Radev thanked Hungary for its active efforts to protect the EU's external borders.
Regarding the economy, Radev pointed out that Hungary is a priority economic partner of Bulgaria and noted the growing exchange of goods, which, according to him, has already exceeded 2.5 billion euros. Radev emphasized that along with traditional areas of cooperation such as trade and banking, opportunities for interaction in the field of high technologies are also opening up. The president also indicated that cooperation in the field of education and culture was also discussed.
"The key element in our economic relations is energy," said Radev. "Bulgaria will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy resources for Hungary, he added. Radev emphasized that the efforts of our country in the direction of improving energy connectivity with Hungary's neighboring countries also work for it. He gave the example of the gas interconnector with Greece and Serbia and noted that they contribute to Hungary's energy security and diversification.
The Bulgarian initiative “Solidarity Ring“ for the transfer of gas from Azerbaijan was first supported by Hungary, he pointed out and emphasized that, thanks to mutual cooperation with Greece and Turkey, our country received access to seven liquefied gas terminals in the Mediterranean Sea and access to the gas transmission network of both countries.
Both of us share the belief that nuclear energy is a key factor in achieving energy security and a sustainable transition to a green economy.
Radev thanked for ensuring the preservation of the national and cultural identity, traditions and language of the Bulgarian minority in Hungary.