Dmitry Medvedev held talks with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov.
Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov
Russia-Bulgaria talks
Documents signed
Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and
Boyko Borissov following talks
Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov
Russia-Bulgaria talks
Excerpts
from the transcript:
Dmitry
Medvedev: Mr Prime
Minister, colleagues,
Indeed, this is my first official visit to Bulgaria as head of Government, although we met
in Moscow and at the ASEM summit in Brussels last year.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again wish
you and all citizens of Bulgaria
a happy national holiday, the Day of Liberation from the Ottoman Yoke. This date
is important for our countries. In 2018, the 140th anniversary of Bulgaria’s liberation
was celebrated, and in July we will celebrate the 140th anniversary
of our diplomatic relations.
Mr Prime Minister, thank you for inviting me and my
colleagues so that we can exchange views on the current state of affairs in our
relations and discus the economy and major projects. In fact, we have already
started this discussion. We have plenty to strive for, as in recent years some
of our economic cooperation numbers have improved, while others, unfortunately,
worsened, especially if we look at last year’s results. However, the
intergovernmental commission has resumed its activities. The Minister of
Industry, who heads it on our part, is present here. We have major projects,
some of which you and I have already discussed, in the energy sector and the
gas, oil and nuclear industries. We have great tourism cooperation. Our holiday-makers
love Bulgaria,
and we will even have a special forum on this subject tomorrow, where we will
discuss cooperation in tourism between our countries.
On a separate note, I would like to thank you, Mr
Prime Minister, for being able to strike a deal with the weather gods so that
we can enjoy this beautiful weather now. Clearly, this bodes well for our
relations. I hope it will be instrumental in helping us achieve good results.
Thank you for the invitation.
Boyko Borissov: Thank
you once again for acknowledging our holiday.
There are many complicated issues
in these complicated times. As an EU and NATO member, Bulgaria is
undergoing a period of diminished trade between our countries.
Working together, we have managed
to resolve this problem in tourism. Tomorrow we will discuss the ferry crossing
between Burgas and Novorossiysk
among other issues.
Russia has made a huge
investment in a children’s camp (Kamchia
Spa and Health Complex). So, all is well, more or less, on this front.
As for the Balkan gas distribution
centre, we made it clear that Bulgaria
will take part in the gas transit system for the simple reason that this
initiative rightfully belongs to it. If gas transit to Turkey is discontinued,
our pipes will remain empty and be at the disposal of the gas transit system.
We are doing nothing other than seeking sources of gas from Russia and Azerbaijan
in order to fill pipelines in Bulgaria.
Our decision is clear and coordinated with the European Commission. This is a
gas hub – that is what we call this gas distribution centre. Just as in the
case of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, we can handle the transit and sale of
about 15–16 billion cubic metres. South
Stream was supposed to transport 60 billion, and this a mere 15 billion. I
don’t see any reason why Bulgaria
should give up this advantage over all of its neighbours as it has the best gas
transit compressor system.
As for the Belene nuclear power plant,
the situation has changed with the loss of time. The Arbitration Court in Paris
ruled in no uncertain terms that the two reactors belong to Bulgaria which
will have to pay 1.176 billion with interest for them.
<…>
Documents signed following the talks:
– Protocol on
amending the Agreement between the Russian
Federation and the Republic of Bulgaria
on Social Security of 27 February 2009
Signed for Russia by Minister
of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Labour and
Social Policy Biser Petkov;
– Protocol on
amending the Agreement between the Ministry of Health and Social Development of
the Russian Federation and the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the
Republic of Bulgaria on the application of the Agreement between the Russian
Federation and the Republic of Bulgaria on Social Security of 27 February 2009
Signed for Russia by Minister
of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Labour and
Social Policy Biser Petkov;
– Programme of collaboration
in the tourism sector between the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Tourism
of the Republic
of Bulgaria for 2019–2021
Signed for Russia by Minister
of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Tourism
Nikolina Angelkova;
– Plan of
consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic
of Bulgaria
Signed for Russia by Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Grushko; for Bulgaria by Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs Yuri Sterk.
Excerpts from the transcript
Dmitry Medvedev: I have just concluded bilateral talks with my
colleague, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov. At first we
had a limited attendance meeting and then an expanded one. Our dialogue is
always marked by an open and absolutely constructive atmosphere. We discussed in
detail our bilateral agenda and interregional contacts between our countries, and
mapped out plans for the future. The most important point is that we reaffirmed
our mutual desire to promote bilateral contacts and relations on the full range
of issues.
I am hoping that
our Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation
that resumed its work last October after a three year interval will be able to
analyse everything that is happening. I made a point of noting this because regrettably
we have such commissions with far from all EU countries, not to mention the lack
of major meetings between the Russian Government and the European Commission.
This is bad because if there are no contacts, there must be doubts in each
other and a feeling that someone is holding things back. I hope that this
mechanism, our Intergovernmental Commission, will still produce results for us,
notably, raising the level of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation
between our countries. Let me remind you that our trade was about $5 billion before
the imposition of any type of restrictions or sanctions, whereas now it is
about $3 billion. Obviously, this means lost jobs and is probably no good either
for Bulgaria or Russia.
Unfortunately, the
status of our trade and economic ties is fairly complicated, although Russia
remains one of Bulgaria’s major trade partners. We export energy to Bulgaria and
Bulgaria supplies us with machines and equipment, and medications. However, since
sanctions were imposed, it no longer supplies us with some goods – once again I
am not sure this is a good thing. Although there are no indicators of a major
increase in bilateral trade, there still exists a wide corridor of
opportunities. I hope we will manage to restore the pre-crisis level of
cooperation we had in 2012.
What else would
I like to say? Of course, energy cooperation remains a flagship of our
relations. We will continue energy cooperation although we also had problems in
this area. First of all, I am referring to the TurkStream project. But we must
consider the experience of the past few years. It was not the most pleasant
experience we had with South Stream. I hope we will be able to discuss further concrete
steps after we receive relevant guarantees – and not from the Bulgarian Government. I am referring
to reliable guarantees from the European Commission to the effect that this
project will not collapse and will not face any obstacles. I hope our Bulgarian
friends also understand this and will work accordingly. I have spoken about this
with my colleague.
Another major energy project is the Belene nuclear power plant. We are ready
to consider our participation in this electric power project. We have just spoken
about this. Our Rosatom Company has vast experience participating in such projects. Importantly, these are
projects on EU territory.
My third point
is about people-to-people ties. We and our Bulgarian friends share the opinion
that we should expand our contacts in education, science and art, and use, in
particular, interregional formats for this purpose. Over 80 Russian regions and
cities have twin relationships with Bulgarian municipalities. This is a good foundation
for developing trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation between our
regions. Our countries have similar views on many issues, primarily historical
events. Last year, we celebrated the 140th anniversary of the end of
the Russo-Turkish War, in the course of which Bulgaria was liberated. This year
we will mark another important anniversary for our countries. I have already spoken
about it. This is the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between Russia and Bulgaria.
I am sure that if
we dig through the history, we can turn up plenty of memorable dates that we share
in common that could be used for enhancing bilateral cooperation, all the more
so – and this is no secret – as people in our two countries are interested in
each other’s culture. Russians eagerly spend their vacations in Bulgaria. They
occupy fifth or sixth place in the total number of tourists to your country.
Naturally, we are always glad to welcome Bulgarians who are planning to travel
in our country. By the way, this issue will be discussed at the Russia-Bulgaria
business forum on tourism tomorrow.
In conclusion, I
would like to sincerely thank Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov for the
warm reception and a very candid conversation. We agreed to continue our relations
in this vein.
I am very
pleased to visit Sofia where I have not been for a fairly long time. I hope our
meetings, which should be regular, and direct intergovernmental contacts will
help promote Russia-Bulgaria cooperation.
Thank you very
much for your invitation once again.
Boyko
Borissov (via interpreter): Colleague,
ministers, I congratulate you on signing the agreements.
We are
preparing similar agreements on cooperation between our police departments and
in sports. They will be ready for signing very soon.
We have
met at a very difficult time for the world. The new arms race exceeds the
indicators of the Cold War. The threat to the world has never been so huge
before. I am one of those who would like common sense to prevail and the sides
to resume talks, because a military conflict in this situation would be deadly
for the whole world. I sincerely hope that it will not happen. We are ready to
do all we can to promote a positive scenario.
Tomorrow
we will discuss tourism. We are strengthening cooperation between our police
departments in light of the large number of Russian tourists and Russian
citizens who have property in Bulgaria. We will be discussing cooperation prospects
in this sphere. Mr Medvedev and I discussed the development of interaction
between our law enforcement agencies and a maximally free exchange of
information when necessary.
As for
the gas sector, it is true that we sustained major damage, in particular,
Gazprom, whose platforms were located in Burgas. The pipes were already
delivered to Burgas and Varna when the European Commission launched the
procedure to impose a fine. It is logical that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev
mentioned the European Commission’s guarantees. Complaints have been voiced
against Bulgaria, although we want to maintain good partner relations with
Russia. I would also like to say clearly that Bulgaria does not need additional
gas – this is for the critics of the idea of the Balkan gas distribution hub. At
present, between 14 and 16.7 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas are delivered to
Turkey via Ukraine. This is how much gas will bypass Bulgaria when
TurkStream becomes operational; our pipes will be empty.
I would
like to ask what investments we can expect in our gas distribution and
compressor system. We are not talking about the Russian side. Bulgaria would
like to continue to receive at least as much gas as it received before.
Potential
deliveries under Nord Stream were estimated at 60 bcm. This figure has been cut
to 15 bcm. Talking about Bulgaria’s dependence when the figure is only 15 bcm
is unacceptable.
My
colleague has no doubts about the loyalty and decency of Bulgaria’s relations
with the European Union. We would like at least to preserve the current volume
of gas transit. I want this to be perfectly clear. It is not surprising that Mr
Juncker said there are no complaints about the gas distribution hub. Gazprom
has declared an interest in this. We are now working on a project to build an LNG
terminal with Greece. It will ensure diversification, and we will keep our
position on the gas market.
In
other words, we would like to remain at the current level in terms of gas
volumes. If there are any national traitors, they are the ones who want our
investments to go down the drain and the equipment to be sent to the scrapyard.
When we
complete this pipeline, the volume of gas will increase. We have stated our
position clearly. Yes, there must be a public tender and maximally transparent
operations, so that no complaints are possible against us or our partners.
As for
the Belene nuclear power plant, I have raised this issue again because it
concerns Bulgaria’s interests. After the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration ruled that Bulgaria
must pay 1.2 billion euros, plus interest, for the two reactors built by Russia
but which belong to Bulgaria already, you kindly allowed us not to pay any
interest. We have paid for the equipment, and we now have two generation 3+
reactors.
Russian
participation can take different forms. We will know which after the tender,
which we are now preparing. I believe the Rosatom head is satisfied with the
standards of our efforts to prepare the tender. It will be a maximally open and
honest tender in which all our major partners will participate. They have
already declared their interest.
Yes, we
are one of the few countries that are protecting their coal-fired power plants.
I don’t know how long we will keep this position, though, because allowable
emissions are becoming increasingly expensive. We are grateful to Rosatom for
increasing the service life of our reactors. In 15 or 20 years we will have to
shut down major generating capacities; we will be unable to use hydropower or
electricity generating systems. In other words, we will have to import energy 10
or 12 years from now.
<…>
There
are forces that are against your presence, that want us to choose between NATO
and Russia. But we have said clearly that Bulgaria is a NATO member and yet a
good partner of Russia. And we would like the Black Sea to remain a sea of
tourism and friendship. This beautiful sea is too small for warships. I urge
Russia and my NATO colleagues to launch talks. No matter how difficult a
decision, it must be taken eventually. There are issues on which we disagree, but
talks and meetings can help us move forward. I may have missed some of the
issues, but we will be able to discuss tourism, culture and religion at the
Russian-Bulgarian business forum tomorrow.
Our
relations are developing as planned. We need to maintain the combat ability of
the fighter planes we bought in Russia at least for the next few years, until
we buy new planes. We are not threatening anyone; of course, we are a great
power but we approach our tasks and goals pragmatically.
This
visit is very important for me, because 3 March is a national holiday in
Bulgaria. We always pay tribute to fallen heroes. We laid a wreath to such a
monument together. We must respect the fallen, all those who have done so much
for our country. We are delighted to welcome you to Bulgaria.
Jens
Stoltenberg has visited us recently, and now you have come to Bulgaria. Some
people look for a connection between these two visits. And nobody thinks that
we need to discuss delicate issues.
Dmitry
Medvedev: What my colleague has said is wonderful proof of
a simple truth: fighter planes can fly anywhere, but it is more important for
gas to flow where it is needed to fire power plants. I believe that we should
work together with our Bulgarian colleagues towards this goal.
