site.btaUPDATED Bulgaria, Montenegro Condemn Russian Aggression in Ukraine

Bulgaria and Montenegro categorically condemn the Russian aggression in Ukraine, President Rumen Radev said at a joint press conference in the Presidential Palace alongside his Montenegrin counterpart Milo Djukanovic during the latter's official visit to Bulgaria.

In Radev's words, Djukanovic's visit is a clear expression of the excellent dialogue between the Bulgaria and Montenegro. Bulgaria has always been a particularly strong supporter of Montenegrin European path, he added.

The two presidents paid their respects at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia and then held a one-on-one meeting.

Radev stressed on the immeasurable loss of life, suffering and destruction that the war has caused and expressed his support for Ukraine in their legitimate path and in their struggle for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He added that all diplomatic efforts should be made to end the war as soon as possible to avoid risk, not only for the region, but globally as well. Radev and Djukanovic also discussed ways to overcome the consequences of the war.

The Head of State welcomed Montenegro's decision to send a contingent to the multinational battle group in Bulgaria with Italy as framework country. He added that Bulgaria and Montenegro are on the way to conclude practical agreements on exchanges in the field of military training, military drills and exercises.

Radev added that Djukanovic's visit is a clear expression of the excellent dialogue between the two countries. Bulgaria has always been a particularly strong supporter of Montenegro's European path, Radev said. He stressed on the deep historical ties and shared values between Bulgaria and Montenegro, who, as a NATO member, also shares common responsibilities and common opportunities to work together with Bulgaria for the security, peace and prosperity of the Balkan region.

Radev pointed out that the EU integration process requires each of the Western Balkan countries to respect the commitments and criteria established in the EU. It is very important for all regional formats and initiatives to work, to be in line with the principles of good-neighbourliness, inclusiveness and working for the respect of human rights locally, the President added.

He sees transport connectivity as the main problem and challenge the Balkans have. We are convinced that we have not yet used all opportunities, including European instruments and mechanisms, so that we could have land and air connectivity between the two countries much faster, the President explained.