The President of Italy is on a visit to Bulgaria

The Presidents of Italy and Bulgaria on April 17 discussed security and defence cooperation. Sergio Mattarella is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Rumen Radev.

The two presidents have expressed readiness to expand economic cooperation. They insisted on the implementation of the pan-European corridor number 8, which they defined as a strategic project.

Images by Dessislava Kulelieva, BNT

Radev and Mattarella discussed the war in Ukraine and the deepening crisis in the Middle East. They are unanimous that a just and sustainable solution should be found to bring peace to the region and ensure security and stability in Europe.

Rumen Radev thanked for the very good exchanges and cooperation in security and defence. Italy supports Bulgaria's full membership in Schengen and the Eurozone.

“Thank you for Italy accepting the role of a framework country in building the multinational battle group on our territory and reinforcing the air policing mission to protect Bulgarian skies, our joint efforts are an expression of our determination and shared responsibility to strengthen the deterrence and defence capabilities of the Alliance and enhance security in NATO's Eastern flank and the Black Sea region. Moreover, building on our security relations, including joint projects and cooperation in the field of military industry," said Rumen Radev.

"I hope that very soon Bulgaria will enter the Schengen area by land as well and will be a full member, this will bring added value. Italy will do everything possible to accelerate these processes," said Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy.

The two presidents discussed security and defence cooperation.