/ world today news/ There must be leading countries in the world and there must be mutual understanding and mutual responsibility between them, because the fate of other nations depends on them.
This was stated by the former Bulgarian king /1943-1946/ and former prime minister /2001-2005/ Simeon of Saxe-Coburg.
In an interview with TASS correspondent Igor Lenkin, he spoke about the prospects for Europe, about Russia’s role on the world stage. The former monarch and prime minister particularly emphasized the need for modern politicians to study history.
TASS: What place does Russia occupy in your life today?
Simeon of Saxe-Coburg: I have always been interested in Russia from both a historical and a cultural point of view. I have read a lot about her and learned from her example. I have been to your country five times. I remember the train journey from Moscow to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. It was very interesting. Every day we stopped in some new city. Returning to Moscow made an even greater impression on me, when I flew over the territory of Russia for more than 6 hours. Russia is a huge country on a global scale, even purely visually.
I was on an official visit to Russia in June 2002, shortly after I became Prime Minister. My visit to Moscow was my second official visit. And my meeting with Vladimir Putin left a very interesting and positive impression. I will be glad if I can meet him once more.
Now there is tension between our countries, but I don’t think it will last long. Problems are always temporary and conjunctural. Today it is a fad that pursues short-term interests. In the relations between Bulgaria and Russia, one must look for the real, the pragmatic and the useful.
From the point of view of a person who has lived a long time and seen a lot, I consider it extremely positive that Russia has become involved in solving the problems of the Middle East. This is a very positive phenomenon.
TASS: How do you assess the current situation of the European Union?
Simeon of Saxe-Coburg: I am a European. I was born on the continent and have been closely associated with Europe all my life.
I am convinced that the European Union is the only opportunity for Europe to be a serious economic player and world political factor. Since 1949, there have been moments of disillusionment and upsurge as well as crises. But I am convinced that Europe has no real alternative to the European Union. This means that the crisis in relationships that is now being observed can and must be overcome.
I can give Bulgaria as a positive example of the benefits of the European community. If we were not members of the EU during the economic crisis in 2008, it is not clear where we would be today. But as part of the common union, common club and family, we managed to cope with these difficulties. This “United Europe” project must exist despite the criticism. How long did it take America to become the United States of America? Europe needs time to become united.
Stay tuned for more details. /TASS
Moscow / Russia
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