Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović and Bulgarian Ambassador Radko Vlaykov have discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, Serbia's plans in the process of European integration, reforms, situation in the region and other topics.
The level of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries is high, Joksimović and Vlaykov assessed, concluding that there is mutual wish, but also commitment to their strengthening and intensification.
The Minister and the Ambassador have particularly emphasised the significance of cross-border cooperation programmes between Serbia and Bulgaria - financed from the EU funds since 2014, aimed at strengthening the capacity of local self-government. The amount of EUR 34.1 million has been allocated for them, of which EUR 28.9 million are from IPA funds.
The Minister has underlined how important it was that Bulgaria, during its presidency of the EU Council last year, held the enlargement policy high on the agenda. She expects Bulgaria to continue to support Serbia as a candidate for EU membership. Ambassador Vlaykov has confirmed that Bulgaria will continue to support the European integration process of Serbia, which, according to him, is an important country in the region. He has welcomed the efforts Belgrade has been making in the reform process and the efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region in a peaceful manner.
Joksimović has pointed out that Serbia is ready to open several chapters and expects that some of them will be opened during the Romanian EU Council presidency.
Source: Tanjug
