"My position is clear. A series of governments work on this topic - official and regular. It is high time. To recall the diplomatic and technical efforts we have made.
I hope this all works out. Above all, for the understanding of all member states that the protection of the external border of the EU is a commitment of all countries, not only those that have a common border.
This was recalled by President Rumen Radev in response to a question to comment on the possibility that on October 10 a proposal would be made for Bulgaria to become a member of the Schengen area and by land.
The head of state emphasized the efforts of the caretaker government with Prime Minister Galab Donev for the launch of the pilot project for guarding the Bulgarian border in partnership with Austria.
Bulgaria has long since fulfilled all the technical criteria for Schengen membership. This was noted by Rumen Radev.
As challenges to international security, the head of state also pointed to transnational organized crime, climate change and the risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence.
Rumen Radev also emphasized the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who stated in his address today that the world cannot continue in this way any longer and deep reforms are needed in the UN.
"Bulgaria has its significant role with the participation, support and generation of many initiatives. First of all, this is the necessary comprehensive reform of the Security Council.
We need to expand the participation category. We need a fairer regional representation," the president said. Therefore, according to Rumen Radev, Bulgaria supports the provision of an additional seat in the Council for the Group of Eastern European Countries.
The head of state highlighted the participation of our country in common efforts to find important solutions to achieve a more accessible and secure world in the conditions of modern technological challenges and developing digitization.
As an example of this, the president pointed to the joint initiative between Bulgaria and the USA to achieve the safety of all systems based on artificial intelligence.
Among other initiatives in which Bulgaria actively participates, President Radev singled out the eradication of poverty and the problem of water resources, which has been particularly topical for Bulgaria in recent months.
Last year's main priority, which was discussed at the UN General Assembly to strengthen the security environment, has not only not been achieved, but the debate is now taking place in the context of interconnected global crises.
To the ongoing and escalating war in Ukraine is now added the war in the Middle East with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, migration, forced displacement of people, the global food crisis and the fight against global terrorism. This was stated by President Rumen Radev to journalists in New York.
The head of state leads the Bulgarian delegation and represents our country within the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the theme of which is: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."
"As a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2024-2026, Bulgaria focuses on the fight against discrimination, anti-Semitism, hate speech, as well as women's empowerment, gender equality, child protection and protection the freedom of the media and the safety of journalists. A current topic for Bulgaria, where we are observing growing self-censorship", the president also pointed out.