Bulgaria’s Deputy PM Mariana Nikolova Takes Part in Online Summit of 17+1 Initiative

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Mariana Nikolova took part in the video conference meeting of the "17+1" summit meeting, the government press office reported.

"It's a privilege to me to be here today and take part in the Summit of the 17+1 Initiative, at which I hope we will outline concrete initiatives and future guidelines for cooperation", Deputy Prime Minister Nikolova said at the beginning of her statement.

"I greatly appreciate the personal commitment to the 17+1 Initiative of our host - President Xi Jinping. His leadership is especially important at a time when we all face serious challenges," Nikolova said. She added that for Bulgaria China has always been an extremely important partner both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU-China Strategic Partnership and the 17+1 Initiative.

The Deputy Prime Minister commented that Bulgaria attaches particular importance to the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China as a factor of peace, prosperity and sustainable development, of multi-lateralism and of the international order based on the rule of law.

In her words, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned upside down our way of life and work and faced us with serious challenges. Deputy Prime Minister Nikolova has expressed her sincere gratitude for the outstretched hand of the Chinese state leadership and for the assistance provided in the fight against COVID-19 in the most difficult period for Bulgaria in the past year.

The Deputy Prime Minister has expressed confidence that, on the basis of solidarity, understanding and the united efforts, we could overcome the current situation sooner and return to the normal way of life.

She has called on all participants in the 17+1...