site.btaRudozem–Xanthi Border Crossing among Key Topics of Kostadinov’s Visit to Greek Parliament

The opening of the Rudozem–Xanthi border checkpoint, seen as crucial for the development of the Rhodope region, was among the main topics during Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov’s official visit to the Greek Parliament, Vazrazhdane’s press service said on Tuesday.

Kostadinov travelled to Athens at the invitation of the AKEL party, with which Vazrazhdane signed a cooperation agreement last year.

Kostadinov noted that the checkpoint infrastructure on the Bulgarian side had been completed years ago, while the Greek side was only finalized last year, raising expectations that the crossing would open soon. Greek MP Michalis Gavgiotakis assured him that he would bring the matter to the attention of Greece’s transport minister and foreign minister.

“We have been assured that the opening of the checkpoint, so important for the people of the Rhodopes on both sides of the border, will happen very soon,” Kostadinov said, the press release added.

The chair of Vazrazhdane’s partner party, Vakis Tsiobanidis, also pledged to support the effort at the political level.

Another key topic discussed during the talks was AKEL’s intention to join the European political group Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN). Kostadinov stated that Vazrazhdane fully supports this move, which would increase the number of countries represented in ESN to 15.

“Vazrazhdane has one main task in its foreign policy, defending Bulgaria’s national interests – to create new allies and raise our country’s standing abroad. When we govern Bulgaria, this will also become national policy,” Kostadinov said.

On 28 November, during parliamentary Question Time, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev stated that Bulgaria had fulfilled all its commitments regarding the Rudozem–Xanthi border checkpoint, but its opening depended on procedures to be completed on Greek territory.