Rumen Radev: Bulgaria must reassume its leadership in the Balkans

published on 10/17/24 2:28 PM

Photo: BTA

President Rumen Radev has called on Bulgarian politicians and parties to resolve their "family issues" and restore Bulgaria's leadership in the Balkans "in a broader regional perspective".

"It is high time to take our heads out of the sand, stop dealing with our domestic provincial squabbles and return to where we belong," the head of state said from Sarajevo, where he laid a wreath at the memorial plaque symbolising the friendship between Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. "My question to the Bulgarian politicians is what happened to the Bulgaria we knew - the country that used to be the first to react to all the important problems in the region, the first to take decisions, the first to provide support, the first to initiate the security process in South Eastern Europe".

During his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rumen Radev held talks with the High Representative of the international community in Bosnia, Christian Schmitt, as well as with members of both houses of the Bosnian Parliament. Before his meeting with Lieutenant-General László Stitz, the EUFOR commander-in-chief, the President said that the Bosnian authorities highly appreciated the work of Bulgarian soldiers in the operation.

"Your mission here is extremely important. We are ready to continue to support it" - with these words Rumen Radev addressed the Bulgarian military taking part in Operation ALTHEA of the European Union mission in Sarajevo. He thanked the soldiers for their contribution to security and stability.

The President noted that the biggest problem of the Bulgarian Army was understaffing. That's why, according to him, funding for the Army should be increased and its modernisation accelerated.

Rumen Radev's official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina ended with a meeting at the Butmir military base.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Share

Rumen Radev: Bulgaria must reassume its leadership in the Balkans

More from category

Snowfall in the mountains on Christmas Eve

2.5 billion euros allocated for construction of second Danube bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu

Bulgaria will fulfil the last criterion for entering the eurozone in mid-January

Heavy snow leaves settlements in Smolyan and Veliko Tarnovo disricts without electricity

Less than 50% of companies in Bulgaria pay Christmas bonuses this year

Long lines of trucks and cars at the border with Turkiye