Athens, 9 April 2008

Ms. Bakoyannis: As you can see, the cooperation between the countries of the region that are also members of the EU and NATO is ongoing and substantial and is constantly becoming even more substantial.

It is apparent that communication between the states of the region that have adopted European principles and values is taking on its own dynamic; a dynamic that is having an equally positive impact on bilateral relations, making cooperation between them closer than ever.

It is in this context that I have the pleasure of welcoming our friend the Bulgarian Foreign Minister, Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, to Athens once again. Ivailo and I had the opportunity to discuss all of the issues being addressed by the two countries on all levels.

We discussed the Kosovo issue, of course, just as we discussed all of the issues concerning our region. We reviewed NATO’s recent Bucharest Summit and the decisions that were taken there. Both countries welcome Croatia and Albania and their accession.

I had the opportunity to discuss the FYROM issue with my counterpart, setting out our well known views and hearing his.

We reaffirmed our satisfaction at the steadily improving economic cooperation between the two countries, which has led to a bilateral volume of trade on the order of €2 billion.

In the area of bilateral cooperation we naturally discussed the issue of water management and the need to develop a real system for early warning that will enable us to deal with the flooding problem more effectively.

We also discussed energy cooperation between the two countries, as well as the new border crossing points between Greece and Bulgaria, which will allow for increased contact between the two peoples.

Finally, we looked at the issue of cooperation on a regional and Community level. We reiterated the importance to us of the Greek-Bulgarian-Romanian cooperation, as well as the need to promote the viewpoint of the countries of Southeast Europe within the European framework.

Thanks to their participation in both the EU and NATO, our countries have broader potential for cooperation. The prospects created by allied and partner relations enable us to look to the future with optimism; a future of development and progress for both our peoples. My dear Ivailo, welcome to Athens.

Mr. Kalfin: Thank you very much. For me, too, this meeting was more than just a pleasure – it was also very useful. We meet frequently on various occasions, but I think we need to allow a little more time for us to discuss certain issues that I think we have clear stances on.

In this meeting, we once again confirmed that Bulgaria and Greece are not just good neighbours, they are good allies, members of the NATO family, the EU family. So I believe that such meetings and collaborations can produce real gains for the two countries.

The events in Bucharest – NATO’s enlargement – created new scope for cooperation among the countries of our region; cooperation in existing areas and within the framework of the European family, the European Union. We are working steadily for the progress of our peoples. The issues we discussed and touched upon were important.

We also discussed the commitments and progress that have to be made on the Kosovo issue, Serbia’s European perspective and future incorporation into European structures, resolution of the FYROM issue.

I am pleased that our countries have common positions and are working in the same directions. I think that together with Romania our voices have taken on considerable strength within the framework of European Union issues. We are working on issues that directly concern citizens and impact their daily lives.

I am pleased at the excellent status of the economic relations between our countries – the investments as well as cooperation on tourism. In the future, we will continue to collaborate and work on issues like the early warning system for flooding – which Ms. Bakoyannis mentioned – the opening of new crossing points on the Greek-Bulgarian border. These are the issues that will please and satisfy the citizens of our countries.

Our meeting was quite comprehensive. Of course, we also have homework to do. We have to prepare for our next meeting. Our relations, as I said, are friendly and strategic.

Once again, I thank my counterpart the Minister for this excellent meeting.

Ms. Bakoyannis: There don’t seem to be any questions. Thank you.