site.btaVice President Iliana Iotova, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Discuss Regional Cooperation

Regional cooperation topped the agenda of a meeting between Vice President Iliana Iotova and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu,  the President's Press Secretariat in Sofia reported on Monday. Iotova visited Istanbul to attend observances for the 130th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of St Stephen and a liturgy.

Iotova underscored the significance of regional cooperation and said that no country can cope on its own with modern challenges such as migration and climate change.

The sides highlighted a Turkish initiative, B40, for a network of Balkan capitals and large cities. The format brings together mayors and municipal administrations from 42 Balkan cities. Over ten Bulgarian cities are members and Sofia has expressed willingness to host the rotating chairmanship next year.

Later Iotova talked with the leadership of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) and Turkish investors. Representatives of the Turkish business said that Bulgaria was an important partner and a gateway to Europe and to the whole world. They expressed a keen interest in expanding investments in Bulgaria.