An interview of Minister Solomon Passy on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Italy

The contacts between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Italy have been marking a significant increase in their intensity since the coming into power of National Movement Simeon II. Is this increase accidental or is it a result of a purposefull policy? Is there some kind of a hidden mechanism in these relations, triggered by the personal contacts between the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and the Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi?
Bulgaria has always maintained traditionally good relations with the Republic of Italy, which are deeply rooted in history. Italy is one of our strategic partners in the implementation of the key priorities of our foreign policy – Bulgaria’s accession into the European Union and NATO.

Our bilateral relations have never been better than they are during the past two years and a half. A number of meetings on high and on highest level were exchanged. On April 18, 2002, the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi made an official visit to Sofia. As personal friends with Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the two also meet at various international multilateral forums, as well as during the unofficial visits of the Bulgarian Prime Minister to Italy.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini, with whom I am connected by a close friendship and excellent official relations, visited Bulgaria in March 2003. We also have the opportunity to meet at various European and global events.

Would you outline the prospects of the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Italy, and elaborate on how these relations measure up within the context of Bulgaria’s accession into the European Union? How can Italy support and be an advocate of Bulgaria’ s aspirations towards full-fledged EU and NATO membership?
We know that out two peoples are united by rich century-old spiritual and cultural traditions, which have contributed to the development of relations marked by trust, mutual respect and maturity – a valuable background, on the basis of which our diplomatic relations are established.

This is even more valid today, when we are united in the building up of our common European future. Italy has never concealed its admiration for countries like Bulgaria, which in a couple of years implemented reforms, for which the countries in Western Europe needed decades. Prominent Italian politicians have many time declared that in the face of Italy Bulgaria has a friend and an advocate for its Euro-Atlantic cause.

During the Italian Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2003, we saw these are not merely words but concrete support as well. Thanks to our Italian partners, we were able to successfully finalize the difficult negotiations and close the Justice and Home Affairs Chapter of the acquis, which contributed to the marked progress of our country in its accession negotiations.

There is still a lot to be done, but the progress marked during the recent years and the positive attitude of Italy towards Bulgaria outline an excellent prospect for the future development of our bilateral relations.

Do you personally see any unutilised reserves for an even bigger dynamics of the bilateral relations? What else can be achieved and in what direction? Last but not least, we would like to focus on the significance of your long-harboured dream-come-true, namely the visit of Pope John Paul II to Bulgaria? Are the results of this visit more clearly felt through the distance of time?
For me the visit of Pope John Paul II was really a big personal satisfaction and a dream come true. This visit was long-expected not only by the politicians but also by the entire Bulgarian nation. With his visit to Bulgaria on May 24, the Holy Pontiff declared his attachment to the Holy Bothers St. St. Cyril and Methodius, recognized the contribution of Bulgaria to the preservation and to the transfer of their life deed to other peoples and countries and honoured its European dimensions. Indirectly the visit contributed to the lifting of the unjust accusations raised against Bulgaria for participation in the assassination attempt against the Pope as well as to the speeding up of our accession into the European and into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

As to the dynamics of our bilateral relations, it is a well-known fact that during the recent years the Italian entrepreneurs have manifested marked interest in Bulgarian economy. Italy ranks among the top three foreign investors in Bulgaria. Prominent politicians and businessmen from the Apennines have many a times declared their will to rank among the top foreign investors in our country. This, in my opinion, is a fully attainable goal and we should all join our efforts for its achievement.

The opportunities for cooperation between the small- and medium-sized enterprises have not yet been fully utilised. Bulgaria and Italy can also extend their joint participation in big international projects, for example, in the construction of Corridor No. VIII.