The declaration for strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Romania from 15 March, 2023 “in a sense bridges the lag of the past in the development of the huge potential in different spheres” between the two countries, said Bulgaria’s ambassador to Romania Radko Vlaykov. In an interview with Radio Bulgaria’s Romanian language service, he discusses the qualitatively new stage bilateral relations are entering, as well as topical issues connected with the traditional Bulgarian communities in Romania.

Ambassador Vlaykov says the declaration demonstrates the two countries’ increased responsibility in the Black Sea region in light of the war in Ukraine. It sets down the cooperation for overcoming the obstacles to the two counties’ entry into the Schengen area.  

“It has been more than 11 years since both Bulgaria and Romania fulfilled the technical criteria for Schengen membership. Both countries feel a certain disagreement, and disappointment with the fact that besides the technical criteria, we are seeing the application of political criteria which have so far delayed our membership of Schengen. This is a very important sphere in our cooperation in the short-term, against the background of the strategic character of the cooperation connected with the signing of two agreements which are both now, in practice, ready. The project in question is Fast Danube which allows for year-round navigation along the river, and which envisages the construction of a new road and rail bridge in the region of Ruse-Giurgiu. I would like to say that we expect the signing of both documents in the coming months, and that they will truly provide a new impetus in the cooperation between the two countries, and promote the practice of the philosophy we share – that the Danube must not separate us.”

The declaration clearly states support for Ukraine, as well as the intention to intensify the cooperation in defence and security between Bulgaria and Romania, ambassador Vlaykov says:

“The declaration gives a great deal of attention to the shared understanding, by Bulgaria and Romania, with regard to the war in Ukraine. The two countries condemn Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and state that it is one of the most serious violations of international law. Bulgaria and Romania will continue their powerful and full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized boundaries. There is a specification here – including its territorial waters and its right to self-defence.”

Cooperation and consultations are forthcoming on accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD.

“Bulgaria is in the group of countries Romania attaches the greatest significance to in its relations, such as the US, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Japan etc. As you can see from the names of these countries, Bulgaria occupies a very honourable place in the future plans of our neighbor,” Ambassador Vlaykov says.  

According to the Bulgarian diplomat, in recent years the two neighbouring countries have re-discovered each other, something we are seeing in the development of economic relations:

“We are very pleased with the level of development of these relations, trade between the two countries has constantly been growing,” ambassador Vlaykov says. “According to various statistical sources, during the past year trade between the two countries was over EUR 8-8.5. billion. Romania is definitely Bulgaria’s second biggest foreign trade partner, while Bulgaria is between 3^rd and 4^th place as foreign trade partner to Romania. These excellent economic results were achieved against the background of problems in the transport connectivity between the two countries – with just two bridges and two land border check points. It is my ambition as an ambassador to work, together with the embassy staff, for more direct contacts that will contribute to the relations among people.”

During the latest census in Romania in 2021, 6,000 people declared they identified as Bulgarian. Radko Vlaykov says the Romanian citizens who have preserved their Bulgarian identity, language and culture deserve a great deal of respect, and adds there is a need to organize Bulgarian language courses in Romania, an endeavor that is encountering different kinds of obstacles.

“The study of the Bulgarian language is now more than just the need of the minority to keep their bond with Bulgaria alive. The study of the Bulgarian language could become a profession for some Romanians. And it is to this aim our efforts are targeted – to find Bulgarian lecturers from different universities,” ambassador Vlaykov says.

• Radio Bulgaria now “speaks” Romanian
  

Translated from the Bulgarian and posted by Milena Daynova

Photos: mfa.bg, BTA