Strengthening the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and France

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Georgiev emphasized that France is one of the most important partners and allies of our country, with whom we maintain an active dialogue and cooperation at all levels - both bilaterally and within the EU and NATO. He expressed gratitude for France's consistent support for Bulgaria's accession to the OECD and the Eurozone, as well as for the key role that France played during its Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2022 in developing the European Consensus, which allowed the adoption of the negotiating framework for the Republic of North Macedonia.

Minister Georgiev stressed that EU enlargement is strategically important for Bulgaria and the entire European Union, as it is an effective tool for ensuring stability, security and prosperity in the region. He expressed hope that the new Roadmap of the Bulgaria-France Strategic Partnership from 2008 will soon be signed, as this will further strengthen the bilateral relations.

The ministers also discussed the positive dynamics of the trade and economic relations between the two countries, noting the potential for a more visible presence of French companies and investors in Bulgaria, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and energy. Joint activities in the field of military-technical cooperation were also highlighted.

Georgi Georgiev and Jean-Noël Barrot also discussed important topics on the European and international agenda, such as the ongoing European support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, and the situation in the Middle East.

In conclusion, the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers confirmed the strategic importance of the partnership between Bulgaria and France and opened new perspectives for its deepening in various areas of mutual interest.