site.btaUPDATED Presidents of Bulgaria, Armenia Sign Joint Statement on Diplomatic Relations

President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan Tuesday started a state visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev. The visit is on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Armenia.

"Our friendship is truly a capital in the time of challenging events in the international relations and we, guided by the wish of our peoples, are called to expand these time-tested relations of friendship and cooperation," Radev said after a meeting with Khachaturyan. 

The two presidents signed a joint statement on the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Armenia during a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents. 

"Guided by our shared understanding that we need to give an additional boost to these relations, today we signed the joint statement," Radev said. "We performed a review of the bilateral relations and we are convinced that we can and we should do much more to develop the huge potential that exists between our countries. This means an even stronger cooperation in trade, economy, investment, transport, agriculture, science, education, and culture," Radev said. 

Khachaturyan for his part thanked for the exchange of ideas and the readiness to develop and expand the bilateral relations in the areas of mutual interest. The Armenian head of State noted the centuries-old link and friendship between the two peoples. "We are connected with the historic fight for independence and freedom," he said. 

The statement signed by the two presidents pledges a commitment to steady development and expansion of the bilateral dialogue at the highest political level, in the economic cooperation and within international organizations and formats. The sides voice their readiness to strengthen and expand the cooperation within the framework of EU initiatives, including the Eastern Partnership, and in the context of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement of 2017. 

The Bulgarian President noted that this is the first visit here in the past 14 years of an Armenian head of State. "This is a significant visit because it takes place in the year when we mark the 30th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," Radev said, adding that it is no coincidence that the first visit of the Armenian President is to a EU member state.

Radev said that he and his guest share a concern whereby all mechanisms of the international institutions, of the relations in the EU and NATO, should be used so that security, peace and stability in the region are established. "In this connection Bulgaria has supported and will continue to assist the development of the relations between Armenia and the EU," Radev said. He assured Khachaturyan that Bulgaria will side with Armenia in the latter's strive to continue along the adopted course of reforms and development. 

Khachaturyan for his part stressed that Bulgaria and Armenia are connected with international instruments that underpin cooperation. "We have many mechanisms to bring to a higher level our bilateral relations in the future," Khachaturyan said, adding that he values highly the cooperation on the bilateral and also on the multilateral level regarding Armenia's partnership with the EU, as well as Bulgaria's support in the development of these relations. 

Transport

Radev said work should continue for the provision of air service between Yerevan and Sofia. He noted the particular importance of transport in facilitating thee links between the two countries. 

Radev noted that both Bulgaria and Armenia are leading countries in the development of the Persian Gulf-Black Sea transport corridor which he said will give an additional boost to the economic development, as well as to guaranteeing the security and stability in the Black Sea region and the Caucasus.

Khachaturyan said that Bulgaria is a trusted partner to Armenia in strengthening the regional interconnectivity, and also "the friend who opened a door to Armenian products so that they can reach the EU". The guest said he hoped Armenia will have an opportunity to develop infrastructure, transport and air service between the two capitals, as well as the transit corridor. 

Education, Technologies and Culture

Radev said that he and his guest studied the opportunities for expanding the cooperation in the most promising areas: innovations, high technologies, electronics, robotics, ICT. In his words, these are areas where the two countries have both traditions and significant achievements. 

Radev recalled how he was impressed with his visit in 2018 to the Tumo Centre for Creative Technologies in Yerevan, noting that the links established between the two countries then helped Bulgaria to perform even better in its national programme for the creation of STEM centre and innovative classrooms in Bulgarian schools. 

Radev further said that the visit to Bulgaria of his Armenian counterpart is important for strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries. In his words, the bilateral cultural ties provide the stable basis for the ever closer relations between the citizens of the two countries. 

Appreciation in Respect of Armenian Community in Bulgaria 

Radev and Khachaturyan singled out the excellent bilateral relations of close friendship, trust and respect stemming from the centuries-long historical, cultural and spiritual ties between the peoples of the two countries. "The Armenian community in Bulgaria whose role in our society we hold in high esteem, is not merely a strong link between our two countries but also a a symbol of solidarity, friendship and empathy," Radev said. 

Khachaturyan offered gratitude to the Bulgarians for the support to the Armenian community so that it can preserve its cultural identity. "We thank the Bulgarian authorities for safeguarding the Armenian cultural heritage and for the ongoing support rendered to the Armenian community," the guest said. 

Earlier in the day, Radev welcomed the guest with an official ceremony at St. Alexander Nevsky square. The welcoming ceremony included a guard of honor and a 21-gun salute in honour of Khachaturyan. The visit continues until October 20.