Bulgaria’s Premier Boyko Borissov is taking part in the Strategic Dialogue of the Western Balkan Leaders in Geneva hosted by the World Economic Forum. At a working dinner that opened the initiative Premier Borissov pointed out that the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries is an engine for reforms and cooperation. The European integration of the region is of strategic interest for the EU. Premier Borissov emphasized the consistent efforts of Bulgaria towards the integration of the region and outlined the tasks of the Bulgaria-Macedonia joint Presidency of the Berlin Process next year. We need to develop modern infrastructure, digital connectivity and contacts between people, Boyko Borissov said. The transport Corridor 8 is a project that links 18 million consumers from the potential common market in the Western Balkans, Premier Borissov added. For there to be stability and economic progress and to change the image of the region in a positive direction, old squabbles and tensions, hate speech and xenophobia must become a thing of the past, Prime Minister Borissov said, addressing the participants. Boyko Borissov laid emphasis on the importance of regional cooperation and pointed to the Berlin process as one of the many successful examples in this respect. 

Bulgaria is to assume the rotating presidency of the Berlin Process next year.