The prime ministers of Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia on Friday signed a join declaration boosting trilateral cooperation.

"We share a commitment to regional cooperation through fostering regional dialogue, building economic prosperity and addressing socio-economic challenges," the respective leaders Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, Romanian Prime Minister Victor-Viorel Ponta and Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said in the joint declaration.

The three neighboring states reaffirmed their support for regional projects, particularly in the fields of transport, energy and environment, to fostering economic development and improve the economic and energy security of the region.

"We place utmost importance on the completion of the gas interconnection between Bulgaria and Romania at Ruse-Giurgiu and the gas interconnection between Bulgaria and Serbia at Sofia-Nis which are important elements of the energy security infrastructure of Europe," the statement read.

Supporting the role of the European Union (EU) strategy for the Danube region, the nations stressed "the importance of applying macro-regional approach for boosting economic development."

The leaders agreed that the momentum of the enlargement process of the EU should be maintained with respect to all Western Balkan countries based on their progress towards meeting the accession criteria.

"In this regard, Romania and Bulgaria warmly welcome the efforts and achievements by the Serbian government on the path towards EU accession and encourage Serbia to continue with key reforms," the declaration said, adding that Romania and Bulgaria would continue to share with Serbia their experience with the EU accession process.

The three Balkan states have agreed to continue meeting at the prime ministerial level at least once a year, the declaration said. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)