site.btaPM Zhelyazkov to President Zelenskyy: Bulgaria Ready to Actively Participate in Ukraine's Post-war Reconstruction

Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and Bulgaria's participation in it was a key topic during Wednesday's meeting between Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Council of Ministers said. The two talked in Odesa during the ongoing Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit.

Zhelyazkov emphasized Bulgaria's potential in areas such as energy, trade, shipping and infrastructure, especially in the context of the Greek Prime Minister's proposal for a rail connection between Alexandroupolis and Odesa.

Zhelyazkov and Zelenskyy also discussed the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkan countries to the European Union. The issue of the status, rights and opportunities of the Bulgarian national minority in Ukraine was also addressed. "There is a great potential for development, especially in areas such as mother tongue classes, education, access to all social programmes, and participation in upcoming reconstruction initiatives," Zhelyazkov said.

The Prime Minister was adamant that Bulgaria has a duty to pursue a proactive policy towards Bulgarians living abroad.