site.btaVisiting OECD Secretary General Gurria Meets with Bulgarian Government, State Leaders

Sofia, April 28 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and President Rumen Radev conferred here on Saturday with Angel Gurria, Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to discuss Bulgaria's entry into the organisation.

Prime Minister Borissov and Gurria discussed the steps which Bulgaria should take in order to join OECD.

Expressing support for Bulgaria's bid, Gurria said that Bulgaria adheres to the main principles of open market economy, democratic pluralism, a will for reforms and respect for human rights. He commended the speedier economic growth, the low unemployment and sovereign debt and the next to zero budget deficit. Gurria welcomed the adoption of a road map by the government which sets forth activities to speed up the preparations for joining the OECD.

Prime Minister Borissov underscored the consensus in Bulgaria with regards to the OECD membership. He said it is backed by the main political parties, the employer organizations and the trade unions. The Prime Minister briefed his guest about a permanent interagency unit which coordinates the actions for Bulgaria's asccession.

OECD is a forum of industrialised countries that develops and promotes economic and social policies. The OECD membership is among the foreign policy priorities of the country.

Meeting with Gurria, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said: "I am absolutely convinced that Bulgaria should be given a specific date to begin negotiations for its OECD accession in the near future."

"The negotiations about the future enlargement will be difficult and complex but with regards to the road travelled and the accomplishments of my country, you have clear and solid arguments to defend our position."