Bulgarian, Croatian presidents call on EU to maintain dialogue with Russia

SOFIA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his visiting Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said here on Wednesday that the European Union (EU) should maintain dialogue with Russia.

"First of all, let us not forget that Bulgaria is presiding the Council of the EU and, as such, it must conduct a policy of dialogue and balance," Radev said at a joint press conference when answering a question on the tensions related to the poisoning row between Britain and Russia.

On Friday, Bulgaria said that it would not expel Russian diplomats, becoming one of the few EU countries that have not done so.

Such a position was taken by Austria, which would be the next chair the Council of the EU, Radev said.

"I agree with President Radev that dialogue is the only source of policy," Grabar-Kitarovic said in turn.

According to her, Russia is a world power, and talks should be held with it not only on mutual disputes but also on many other issues such as international security, EU security against terrorism and all other common threats.

The Croatian president called on the EU and Russia to return to dialogue and move towards normalization of ties. Enditem