Kristian Vigenin: European Corridor 8 will connect China and the EU through Bulgaria

“In the context of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China, a more active dialogue is needed. We have common goals and tasks that we should concentrate on, rather than on the differences. Especially in the current situation of unpredictability on the part of leading countries in the world, China and the EU can bring more reason and balance into global relations. A main challenge is economic development that benefits people, not only the big companies. We need to protect free world trade, fewer restrictions mean more opportunities for our citizens.” This was stated by ​ ​ ​​ ​ the head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament and member of the BSP Executive Bureau Kristian Vigenin during his meeting with a Chinese delegation led by the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China Mr Lou Qinjian. Vigenin stressed that both the EU and China insist on international relations based on international law, on a strong United Nations in support of world peace, and on predictability in global politics.

“The European Union is an important strategic partner for China and these relations have established themselves as some of the most influential in the world. In the transformation of the world we live in, we have to strengthen mutual trust and open up more to each other and to tackling global challenges together,” said in turn ​​​​​​ ​​​​​​ Mr Lou Qinjian. He noted that high-level meetings have been held between state representatives of China and the leadership of the European Parliament and of the European Commission, but added that economic ties between China and the EU have been stagnating for several years: “Exchange between legislative institutions is a way to deepen understanding and encourage cooperation.” ​ ​ ​​ ​​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

“It is important that the Chinese economy has sustainable and predictable growth, because this helps the whole world,” Kristian Vigenin pointed out. He noted the impressive successes of China in fighting poverty and said there are examples that can be taken into account, because even in the wealthy European Union too many people live in poverty or on the edge of poverty. “I hope you see in us a country that wants to cooperate with China in various areas. We can build real links in terms of developing industry and the economy, we can connect China and the EU through Bulgaria. ​ ​ ​ ​ in ​ ​ ​ ​​​ . European Corridor 8, as a trade route, is important for China too​,​““, he also said.Kristian Vigenin. The head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament believes in the upward development of trade links between China and Bulgaria: “With our country entering the eurozone these relations will receive an additional boost and development.” ​ ​

Vigenin emphasised that the first serious legal framework for the development and use of artificial intelligence was created by the EU. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​​ ​ „I would be glad to work together with China on this topic. I am impressed by your progress in this area, but there is a need for regulation at global level”​​ , the MEP stressed. He pointed out the fact that Bulgaria has been chosen as one of the countries that will develop an artificial intelligence factory with European support.​ ​ ​ ​​ ​.

Mr Lou Qinjian expressed the wish that, step by step, the European Union and China manage their differences and increasingly build on their common interests.

“In me and in the Bulgarian socialists you have friends of China, we can develop our contacts and fill them with substance,” Kristian Vigenin said in conclusion. He received an invitation from Mr Lou Qinjian to visit China. ​ ​

The Chinese delegation, led by the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress Mr Lou Qinjian, is in Bulgaria at the invitation of the chairs of the Committee on Foreign Policy, the Committee on Economic Policy and the Committee on Culture of the National Assembly of Bulgaria. ​ ​ ​​ ​​​.