Bulgaria and Russia will continue to develop the traditionally good relations
07 July 2014 News
The relations between Bulgaria and Russia are traditionally good and we would like to develop them actively also in the future, regardless of the differences on certain issues. The problems and differences between the EU and Russia should be solved through dialogue, said Minister Kristian Vigenin at the joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, who is visiting Sofia on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Sergey Lavrov pointed out the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations and emphasized the great potential for the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Kristian Vigenin and Sergey Lavrov discussed a wide range of issues, including trade and economic cooperation, cooperation in the field of energy, culture, education and science, tourism and others. The two ministers underlined the need for concrete action to balance trade by exploiting the possibilities of interregional cooperation, facilitation of customs procedures, improvement of transport links. The development of cooperation in tourism remains a priority, said Minister Vigenin, adding that Russia occupies fourth place in the ranking of the number of foreign tourists who visited Bulgaria in 2013.
The South Stream project is of interest for Bulgaria, for Southeast Europe and for the EU. We support its implementation in accordance with European legislation and standards, said Bulgarian Foreign Minister. He expressed hope that the active dialogue with the European Commission will allow in the near future to resume its construction on Bulgarian territory. According to Sergey Lavrov, the project will contribute to the energy security of Europe. He expressed Russia’s readiness to continue the constructive dialogue both with the countries participating in the project and the European Commission.
The crisis in Ukraine, the current situation in the Balkans and the Middle East and North Africa were also among the issues discussed today by the foreign ministers. Bulgaria supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and we expect Russia to play an important role in the de-escalation of tensions and the normalization of the situation, said Minister Kristian Vigenin. The Russian foreign minister emphasized that it is in the interest of all parties to immediately cease-fire.
Kristian Vigenin and Sergey Lavrov greeted the participants in the conference on the topic "Bulgaria - Russia. 135 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations: past, present and future ," organized by Bulgaria – Russia Forum.
The two foreign ministers attended the signing of an agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of health and medical science. They participated in a ceremony on validation of special postal-philatelist edition dedicated to the 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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