Kristian Vigenin: I remain the last Bulgarian foreign minister to have received Russia's Lavrov in Sofia

„It is important that we also rethink the development of the Bulgaria, Russia dialogue. At the basis of our links are mutual respect, the closeness of our languages and our shared spiritual and cultural values. Unfortunately, the young generation is being exposed to nihilism and negative rhetoric towards Russia.“ This was stated by the Deputy Chair of the BSP and candidate for chair of the party Kristian Vigenin at the conference „The transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world. Europe, the Balkans, Bulgaria“. He noted with regret that years ago Bulgaria was able to talk to both Ukraine and Russia, whereas now official policy is still dominated by confrontation with Russia.

„It is astonishing that today, almost 11 years later, I remain the last Bulgarian foreign minister to have received the Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Sofia. I will strive for the BSP’s participation in government to lead to the creation of new prospects for our relations“, Kristian Vigenin emphasised. He believes it is necessary both to give an objective assessment of the history of Bulgarian, Russian relations and to place them in a contemporary context.

Bulgaria’s role in EU-Russia relations

„Bulgaria has more than once missed the opportunity to play a constructive role within the European Union, Russia relationship as well, including in connection with the conflict in Ukraine. I would like to believe that in the near future we will see a rethinking of the approach taken so far, with political dialogue being resumed. Because, building on our historical relations, Bulgaria is a country that can contribute to peace far more than as a supporter of an obviously doomed policy. A policy I also witness in the European Parliament with the monthly anti-Russian resolutions“, Kristian Vigenin concluded to the participants in the conference.