On February 2, Katalin Novak, President of Hungary, met with President Radev and conducted a Deep discussion on Ukraine and Greece’s national minorities living in Bulgaria.
She appreciated the Bulgarian President for being a trustworthy companion in the field of energy and security & pointed out that the decision to reject Bulgaria’s Schengen accession was a humiliation.
Bulgaria highly appreciates the friendly bilateral relations with #Hungary , based on historical ties and partnership in the #EU and #NATO. The similar positions that we share with president @KatalinNovakMP on important EU issues are a good basis for further cooperation. pic.twitter.com/ODY5Zbss8T
— President.bg (@PresidentOfBg) February 2, 2023
Novak said, “We, Hungarians and Bulgarians, are united by the fact that we face the challenges facing our region with a cold head and common sense”.
During the meeting, President Radev noted that Bulgaria and Hungary are not only partners in United Europe but have been building relationships of friendship and mutual respect for centuries.
He also appreciated Hungary’s European attitude to the Bulgarian community in the country, which can be an example for both Europe and EU candidate countries who claim to share common priorities and democratic values.
According to President Radev, Bulgaria can use the Hungarian model of targeted state policy to support young families and address the demographic crisis.
He emphasized that Hungary has doubled state support for young families in the past decade and recorded the highest growth in the EU by total birth rate, tackling the demographic crisis.
President Radev also emphasized that Bulgaria and Hungary do not accept the tendency for countries guarding the external European borders to turn into buffer zones and camps for illegal migrants.
“We share a common position on the need for a change of approach and European policy towards illegal migration”, said Radev.
Speaking about illegal trafficking across the borders, President Radev noted that Combating human trafficking in Europe and the associated risks to the security of European citizens requires decisive action and systematic support from all EU Member States and the European Commission for the countries guarding the external European borders.