"New, trusted and predictable leaders however — and Gen. Radev is such — can help upgrading of rhetoric from both sides [Bulgarian, Russian] which is very important in relations between neighbors," Passy said.
Radev, a former air force commander and an independent backed by the Socialist Party, triumphed over Tsetska Tsacheva from the ruling GERB party in November 13 election, prompting the prime minister’s coalition government to step down. Radev is considered to have pro-Russian position.
Closer ties between Western countries do not preclude good relationship with Russia and recently elected Bulgarian President Rumen Radev might cultivate partnerships with both Russia and NATO countries, Passy added.
"[Radev] is in the same time the very proof of our vision that Western integration does not contradict pragmatic relations with Russia — as this is well proven by countries like Germany, France, Belgium, Italy or UK," Passy said.
The former foreign minister also said that Bulgaria's NATO membership was "a civilizational choice" and Radev would not want Bulgaria to leave the military alliance.
"I personally do believe that time will come when Russia will be invited to join NATO," Passy added.
Passy, who was Bulgaria's foreign minister in 2001-2005, is now the head of the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, an organization that promotes Bulgaria's international relations.
