site.btaJoint Digital Technology Projects to Be Implemented with Slovenia

Bulgaria and Slovenia will seek opportunities to carry out joint digital technology projects under arrangements between e-Government Minister Georgi Todorov and Slovene Digital Transformation Minister Emilija Stojmenova Duh, Todorov's ministry reported on Thursday.

The two met on the sidelines of a session of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Gran Canaria, Spain. The bilateral meeting was also attended by Todorov's deputy Blagovest Kirilov.

Slovenia's digital transformation strategy lays emphasis on the development of modern technology, aiming to place the country among the top three European nations in this respect in the next 10 years. The Macedonian-born Slovene Minister said: "Technology is a means to achieve what we want to see in terms of national development."

She praised Bulgarian engineers and specialists and urged the government in Sofia to find a way to keep them at home. For his part, Todorov shared Bulgaria's goals and ambitions in digitization. He suggested designing joint projects with Slovenia.

Todorov commented: "Bulgaria and Slovenia are close, we share many common problems and are confronted by common challenges. We need to find a way to work together to tackle the difficulties that lie ahead. Not just we and Slovenia but also the entire region, including North Macedonia. Only if we stand united can we achieve prosperity and well-being for the people in the Balkans."

Stojmenova Duh supported Todorov's view. She invited him to visit Slovenia in the nearest future.

During the OECD forum, Todorov and Portuguese Secretary of State for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization Mario Campolargo agreed on future cooperation.