President Iliana Iotova has again called for a moratorium on fighting in the Black Sea region. She spoke at the opening of the 20th, anniversary Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, the president's press office said. The forum in the capital of Cambodia began earlier today, with delegates from 90 member countries of the French-speaking community.

Iotova arrived in Cambodia on Sunday to represent Bulgaria at the summit. Before the opening, she was welcomed by Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni and Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. First lady Chanmony Hun Manet went with her through the Francophonie Village.

On Sunday, 15 November, her office outlined the Cambodia programme, which included talks with Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo and the president of Vietnam.

"The Black Sea must remain a zone of shared security, free shipping and international cooperation," the president said.

Much of her speech was about the war that Russia began with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war is nearing its fifth year and is now also being fought in the Black Sea. Iotova urged Europe to play an active part in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia and to put forward its own proposal. She said she hoped the EU would take part as early as the next round. In her view, the Black Sea is a shared space that matters to all of Europe, not only to the countries on its coast, and the world's food security depends on it.

Peace is not given once and for all and takes effort every day, the president said. It means something different to each person: for a young person, it is a chance to build a future. For a nation, it is the freedom to choose its own fate.

"We often talk about peace, but what does it mean to each of us? For a mother, it is the certainty of seeing her child come home," Iotova said. In a world of crises and mistrust, everyone shares the duty to uphold the principles of the UN, she added. Future generations must inherit a world where cooperation replaces mistrust and human dignity is the guiding principle. For Bulgaria, crises are prevented and lasting cooperation is built above all through international cooperation, political dialogue and solidarity, the president said.

Lasting peace needs societies that include everyone and give young people real prospects, Iotova said. Investment in young people, education and digital skills is essential, she said, because education and access to economic opportunity guarantee future stability. She said the great strength of La Francophonie is its variety of peoples, experience and cultures, which brings countries closer and lets them act together.

The theme of the forum is "Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability". The summit is meant to call on heads of state and government to encourage dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes and sustainable development for the benefit of all.

Bulgaria will keep taking an active part in the organisation's work for peace, stability and shared prosperity, Iotova said. The country has been a full member since 1993 and plays an active role as a member from Eastern and Central Europe.