site.btaBlinken's Visit Seen as Manifestation of Deepening Bulgaria-US Strategic Dialogue

Blinken's Visit Seen as Manifestation of Deepening Bulgaria-US Strategic Dialogue

Sofia, May 7 (BTA) - The working visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Bulgaria between May 6 and 7 has highlighted the good relations and the deepening strategic dialogue between the two countries and the bilateral accomplishments in key areas, Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said in Sofia Saturday after meeting with Blinken.

The guest confirmed Washington's strong commitment to expanding its relations with Sofia and the high regard which the US authorities have for the Bulgarian government. Blinken noted Bulgaria's leading role against smuggling. He commended the country for the good job it has done in energy diversification, singling out the work for the construction of a natural gas interconnector with Greece. Another area which has seen many achievements is military modernization, Blinken said.

Taking a journalist's question, the Deputy Secretary of State said that at a time when the world is faced with extraordinary changes and challenges, Bulgaria is in many ways a source of stability, which is much needed in today's world. Discussing the EU-US negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, he said the sides often take divergent views and the final result is achieved the hard way. "I think we will reach understanding," he added.

The US is firmly convinced that Bulgaria should benefit from the US Visa Waiver Program, Blinken said, pledging to work very actively and cooperate with Bulgaria to this end.

For his part, Mitov added that the US visa question always stands in bilateral talks. After July 12, it will also be discussed extensively in the European Commission, he said. "The level of cooperation between our countries is strategic, but ultimately, we see an imbalance in the field of travel," Mitov said, predicting that after a lot of hard work Bulgaria will be included in the US Visa Waiver Program. "There is a will on both sides and I hope we achieve results soon," the Foreign Minister said.