Italy’s Chamber of Deputies President Roberto Fico conferred here on Monday with Bulgaria’s National Assembly Chair Nikola Minchev at whose invitation he is paying an official visit. “Addressing the issue of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans is of strategic importance for the entire Union,” Fico told the media, emerging from a meeting with Minchev in Parliament.
Fico commented to the media on the importance of enlargement to the Western Balkans, especially in a situation like the present one and considering the need for a stronger EU.
The Italian parliamentarian described the session with his Bulgarian counterpart as “very fruitful” and stressed the need of strengthening Bulgarian-Italian economic, trade and cultural cooperation. “We discussed a number of topics, we talked about the aggression in Ukraine, which we strongly condemned. We also noted the effect it had on the European Union. The EU has emerged even more united and strong, showing that it can rally and oppose the aggression. I am convinced that, following the post-pandemic recovery plan, a plan for recovery from energy issues will be needed,” the guest said.
He invited Minchev to visit the Italian Parliament. The head of the National Assembly gratefully accepted the invitation. He pointed out that the importance of Corridor No. VIII and the connection between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea had also been on the agenda.
During his visit, Fico toured the National Assembly and viewed an exhibition entitled “50 Years of Golden Varna”, displayed at the National Representatives Club.
After his arrival in Sofia, Fico laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
He is the first dignitary to make an official visit here at Minchev’s invitation.
