site.btaUPDATED Prime Minister Zhelyazkov Confers with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy in Rome

Since the beginning of the war, Bulgaria has offered Ukraine consistent and unwavering support - a commitment that will continue throughout the country’s post-war reconstruction, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, quoted by the government information service.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Fourth High-Level Conference on the Recovery of Ukraine in Rome.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov expressed Bulgaria’s readiness to contribute positively across all sectors where assistance is needed, in step with the country’s capacities. He emphasized Bulgaria’s considerable experience and potential in the fields of construction and infrastructure, highlighting it as a key area where the country can offer meaningful support. Zhelyazkov also underlined Bulgaria’s strategic importance in the Black Sea region, particularly in the context of port and maritime security initiatives.

During the meeting, energy cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine was also discussed. The two countries committed to deepening their partnership in the energy sector, with particular emphasis on energy connectivity, diversification of sources, and the need for a unified approach to tackle energy challenges—especially during the winter months.

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov noted that EU enlargement and the integration of Ukraine into the European single market offer major opportunities. He stressed that Bulgarian businesses have significant potential to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and reaffirmed the readiness of both the Bulgarian government and private sector to participate in joint recovery projects.

During his remarks to reporters in Rome following his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that the two had discussed improving coordination between the electricity system operators of Bulgaria and Ukraine. Zhelyazkov emphasized that this cooperation is also viewed through the lens of easing price pressures on Bulgarian businesses. He noted that the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) and the National Electric Company (NEK) will continue technical-level discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts.

The prime minister added that their conversation covered a broad range of topics concerning Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, with a focus on Bulgaria’s role due to its strategic geographic location. They also addressed energy and transport connectivity. According to Zhelyazkov, while no specific investment projects were finalized, they agreed in principle on areas for future cooperation.