The chiefs of Polish and Bulgarian diplomacies focused in their talks on security policy, regional cooperation and the current EU agenda. The Bulgarian politician’s visit to Warsaw reaffirmed the willingness of the two governments to intensify bilateral relations and to seek ways to coordinate actions in the EU and the UN. Poland and Bulgaria are both interested in developing regional cooperation in the economy, infrastructure and transportation, tapping into the potential of such initiatives as the Three Seas and Via Carpatia.

“Poland is also hosting the Western Balkans Summit in Poznan this year and Bulgaria will take part in it as a member of the Berlin Process initiative,” Minister Czaputowicz said. “It is a good opportunity to share our experiences with partners from the Western Balkans, and Bulgaria plays an important role in supporting this region,” he added.

The head of Polish MFA also thanked his Bulgarian counterpart for participating in the Middle East ministerial conference in Warsaw. He said he was confident that the two countries will jointly engage in addressing the Middle East challenges and thus contribute to a lasting peace in the region.

The officials also talked about the key issues on the EU agenda, such as the future of the European Union after the United Kingdom leaves the Community and negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework. Minister Czaputowicz argued that a no-deal Brexit would be a great loss for the whole Community and that is why our countries are seeking acceptable solutions and decisions concerning relations with the United Kingdom and how the UK will leave the EU.

Energy policy was also on the top of the agenda of talks between the Polish and Bulgarian foreign ministers. “Poland takes a critical stand towards all projects like Nord Stream 2, which adversely affect the operation of the gas market in the EU and strengthen the dominant position of one supplier,” Minister Czaputowicz said. “The diversification of supplies through, among others, LNG imports, should be our common objective,” he added.

Today’s visit also served as an occasion to present to our Bulgarian partners Poland’s priorities for the second year of our non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. The ministers exchanged views on the current security challenges in the Black Sea region and cooperation within NATO, also in the format of the Bucharest Nine.

The European future of the Western Balkans in the context of preparations for the April meeting of the foreign ministers of the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Summit in Poznan in July were also discussed. The ministers agreed that the integration of the Western Balkan countries with the European Union is the only path leading to ensuring security, prosperity and stability in this part of Europe.

MFA Press Office

Photo Gabriel Piętka / MFA